Medical Audit in Primary Health Care

The demand for quality control of medical care has increased dramatically in recent years. In response to higher public awareness and political trends, the implementation of audit has swept through general practice in the US, fueled by the appearance of improved data collection systems and the greater sophistication of primary care teamwork. This book is a concise yet comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of medical audit in the primary health care setting. Edited by two university lecturers who are also practicing family practitioners, the book includes contributions from a range of practitioners who have experience of audit in action, and an appreciation of the potential pitfalls involved. The first part of the book discusses the theoretical basis and purpose of audit, and describes the stages of the 'audit cycle' from setting target standards to effecting change. The second part describes the implementation of audit, focusing in turn upon each stage of the cycle, and examining practical examples of audit problems drawn from a variety of areas of care. It concludes with a discussion of the role of Medical Audit Advisory Groups, and the methods of auditing audit. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed upon the importance of teamwork in solving problems. This theoretical and practical guide to the challenge of medical audit will be of value to general practitioners, trainees, and all members of the primary health care team.