Seven steps to an effective clinical audit (1 CPD hour)

This module offers a guide to planning and executing an effective clinical audit, including:

• Developing an idea for your audit and deciding on the type
• Collecting and analysing the results of your audit
• Presenting your results
• Planning a re-audit, to check improvements

After reading this article you will be asked to record your learning points and some action points to earn a suggested 1 CPD credit. Below are some suggested questions to reflect on as you work through the module:

1. Could you audit a clinical area that you are particularly interested in?
2. Have you consulted your practice staff on their ideas about the audit?
3. Have you planned a pilot, to check your methodology?
4. Have the results of the audit been presented to all staff?
5. Is the audit scheduled to be repeated?

This module was first published on 27^th October 2010 and was up to date with all key guidelines and evidence at that point. It will be reviewed as part of our routine update cycle by 27^th October 2012 but will be updated sooner to reflect any key guideline changes.