Studies into the effectiveness of clinical audits as tool to improve hospital care
Studies into the effectiveness of clinical audits as tool to improve hospital care
Hospitals are constantly striving to deliver better and safer care. Yet, a gap often exists between the best possible care and what patients receive. One important tool to bridge this gap is the audit: a systematic review of care quality. But how and why do audits sometimes succeed in improving the quality of care, and why do they sometimes fall short?
This dissertation of Lisanne Hut-Mossel shows that audits work best when healthcare professionals are genuinely engaged and take ownership. A sense of urgency is key. Audits that are driven from within, at the workplace, and supported by motivated professionals - the so-called “champions”- are far more likely to produce lasting improvements. Sharing results within teams and discussing them with leadership further strengthens their impact.
Audits are also valuable for medical residents. By completing a clinical audit, they build awareness of quality issues and develop leadership skills. A supportive learning environment –
marked by collaboration, shared responsibility, and inspiring role models among senior doctors – makes all the difference.
For junior doctors in training leading quality projects, credibility is crucial. Credibility grows by demonstrating expertise, actively involving other healthcare professionals, and fostering a strong sense of teamwork.
The main conclusion of this research: Quality improvement is not a one-time effort but a continuous learning process following a PDCA-cycle. When hospitals build a culture in which everyone feels responsible for quality, audits and improvement initiatives gain momentum – ultimately leading to better care for patients.