Encourage registrar to:

Plan early
Perhaps make Audit Calendar of significant dates
Read the instructions carefully
All details on Postgraduate Institute website:
www.pimd.co.uk
Submit early

In general:

Keep it simple
Define a well circumscribed subject to audit - with either small numbers or sample (remember problems with sampling).
Make sure the data is easily retrievable
Keep it reasonably brief when writing up
(Less than 3000 words - quite a few less!!)

Notes from Complete Audit Cycle marking Schedule

Criteria:
1, or at the most 2, criteria recommended.
Remember Criteria for Summative Assessment purposes means one thing only - "usually written in the form of statements describing what should happen"
Reference in standard fashion after literature search which should include some attempt at e.g. medline search - note current literature.

Standards:
Should be sensible, realistic, and normally derived from above references or consensus within the PC Team

Preparation and Planning:
Must show evidence of discussion with and teamwork in the PC Team

Data Collection 1 and 2:
Usual interval is approximately 3 months, but can be shorter (unusual) /or longer - remember dates when writing up.
Tables are helpful if appropriate
Use numbers as well as percentages
Mention list size
How were the searches done - what was looked for?
Are the two D.C.s looking at the same things.

Change:
Can be fairly simple. Preferably more than just a "quick fix" -e.g phoning around non-compliers from DC I. Try to build in some change in the systems for the future use in the practice.
"Any change which improves patient care is probably OK" - given the above qualifications.

Conclusions:
What has been learned about e.g.
Audit
Teamwork
Producing change
The actual process of this audit

Any queries to Claire Wallace (S A Administrator) on 0191 222 5764 or me.
MICHAEL D TINKER
Course Organiser
12th February 2003/Updated 22nd December 2004