What does a clinical audit aim to achieve?

A clinical audit primarily focuses on reviewing healthcare practices against evidence-based standards with the objective of improving the quality of care provided to patients. By systematically assessing current practices, the audit identifies areas for improvement, ensuring that the care aligns with best practices and established guidelines. This process not only enhances the safety and effectiveness of patient care but also helps in identifying areas where healthcare delivery can be optimized.

The rationale behind a clinical audit is to foster improvements by comparing actual practices with desirable standards, thereby enabling healthcare providers to implement changes that can lead to better patient outcomes. This aligns with the overall goal of quality improvement in healthcare, promoting a culture of continuous evaluation and enhancement of services based on updated evidence.