Writing an Audit Report

General requirements for all projects:

  • Has the audit project been completed within 6 months of the approval date?
  • Do the sample sizes in the report match those in the application?
  • Have 2 rounds of data been collected, with an appropriate interval between rounds?

It is suggested that the report follows the heading below as this will help you present the information succinctly and in the correct order. If the audit planning tool was used, then the information entered at that stage will be the basis for the subsections of the audit report.

Introduction

  • The introduction will explain why the topic was chosen, who identified it and its relevance – is it to address an area where performance is thoughts to be an issue; is it to explore issues identified by a significant event and its analysis; have new regulations or guidance been published?
  • Include a statement which describes what you hoped to achieve by carrying out the audit and how it will lead to an improvement in patient care

Inclusion criteria and standards

  • Which was the relevant standard and why? These could be published standards such as IR(ME)R, NICE guidelines or SDCEP guidance. If no published standards exist for the topic you wish to audit, you should state this in your application and specify what standards you will apply to the project.
  • What level was aimed at with regard to this standard e.g. 80% compliance or 100% compliance and why this level was appropriate
  • List the aspects of patient care on which data was collected

Method

In this section, describe how the project was carried out. Include:

  • The data collection method used
  • The data collection tool (include/upload a copy)
  • The sample size for each round of data collection - and how that was decided
  • The time frame of the two rounds of data collection
  • Clearly state exclusions from the data set
  • Describe the source of the data e.g. retrospective, random sample, every 4th patient, patient records
  • How bias was managed
  • Who collected the data, when and how
  • How was change implemented, who was involved
  • Who else was involved

Results

  • Results should be expressed as simple tables, graphs or charts, which are clearly labelled and address the main aim of the project
  • You should compare the two rounds of data, identify the areas that needed to be improved and describe the improvements achieved
  • Keep conclusions for later
  • Any additional information which does not support the results should be presented as an appendix

N.B. Analysis must be provided – it is not sufficient to simply present the results.

Discussion

  • State the findings clearly
  • How were the first round results discussed and who was involved?
  • What changes were introduced prior to the collection of the second round data and were there any difficulties encountered?
  • Reflect on what went well and what did not go quite so well. What might have been done differently to make more of any improvement?
  • What has been learned and how has the audit improved your practice?
  • What further action is required and how will the improvements be maintained?
  • Are there any plans for repeating this audit or to carry out any other audit projects?
  • What are the wider implications of the results of this project – locally, at Health Board level, at national level?

Acknowledgements

  • Acknowledge help from all sources

References

  • All references and reference material should be cited correctly in the text and listed in order at the end

All audit projects should be fully anonymised and contain no patient identifiable information. In addition, no dentist, DCP or practice should be able to be identified.

Obviously reports will vary in detail and format but the suggestions above are intended to indicate those areas which should normally be covered, in some form and should reduce the chances of amendments being required to the final report.