Auditing Audit

Abstract

The aims of this study were to establish the levels and quality of audit activity within a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) before and after the development of a service-wide audit group. Clinical staff were surveyed using standard proformas. Between 1996 and 1999, only one project within CAMHS had completed the audit cycle although considerable activity was apparently taking place. A second cycle audit showed that since the introduction of the audit group the number of projects with clear protocols increased from five to twelve with at least three further projects under development, although staff perceive that they are undertaking less audit activity. Five projects have been completed and recommendations made by three of these. The number of completed projects making recommendations has risen through the development of the audit group and the audit profile raised within the service.