Involvement in clinical audit is becoming increasingly important for health professionals, both to ensure a high quality of healthcare and to demonstrate interest in both quality improvement and specific clinical specialities. Nevertheless, the auditing process is often a source of confusion for today's medical students and junior doctors.
This article will cover the auditing process by correcting common misconceptions and providing advice on how to carry out a successful audit.
- the importance of the clinical audit process and its role within clinical governance
- the difference between clinical audit and research
- the steps involved in an audit process and the importance of completing the audit cycle
- how to get involved and the benefits of involvement in audits
- factors that makes a good audit topic
- the potential pitfalls that one should consider before beginning an audit
- how to disseminate your audit findings, such as presenting and publishing
- a case study: my medical school experience of audits