Guide to Clinical Audit
A structured approach to improving patient care through systematic review
Learn the Process
The Clinical Audit Cycle
1
Select Topic
Identify an area for improvement in patient care
2
Set Standards
Define best practice criteria based on evidence
3
Collect Data
Measure current practice against standards
4
Analyze Results
Identify gaps between current and ideal practice
5
Implement Changes
Develop and execute improvement plan
6
Re-audit
Repeat to assess if improvements were sustained
Choosing a Topic
- Focus on areas important for patient outcomes
- Select topics with clear evidence-based standards
- Consider feasibility within your resources
- Prioritize areas with potential for measurable improvement
Data Collection Tips
- Create a standardized data collection form
- Ensure sample size is representative
- Maintain patient confidentiality
- Document clearly for reproducibility