Clinical Audit Programme - Éist

The need for Clinical Audit has never been stronger. The Lourdes Hospital Inquiry Report (2006) stated that there is a need to: "Oblige all medical practitioners to attend training on clinical governance, which includes improving knowledge, engaging in clinical audit and risk management."

Éist - is the Irish for listen. The basis of any audit. Stop and listen to what is going on around you. Focus on what is important and use that knowledge to improve the clinical care you provide.

Health Care Informed has also been listening to the needs of its clients in relation to Clinical Audit. The result is the creation of a comphrehensive programme to assist organisations in the creation of an infrastructure for the systematic review and continuous improvement of patient care and outcomes.

The Éist programme has come about as a result of HCI's training programme Introduction to Effective Clinical Audit. Feedback from the training in various organisations held a common theme, the need for greater assistance in the implementation of what they had learned, on-site.

Éist is based upon the Clinical Audit (or PDCA) cycle. Over a 12 month period it looks at the implementation of a customised Clinical Audit Programme with measurable success criteria.

Clinical Audit Cycle

The programme allows staff to understand and put into effect:

  • Audit Criteria Selection
  • Process Mapping
  • Data Collection
  • Data Analysis
  • Tools and Techniques for Process Improvement

To ensure the effective implementation of an ongoing Clinical Audit Programme, HCI works with the organisation to see the best methods to embed the process into the overall Governance structures. We assist in determine the relevant structures, indviduals, committees, etc, as well as their remits. We examine and develop the necessary processes, such as information flow, to maximise the benefits. And we work to ensure the outcomes have a positive impact on the organisation.

As part of the Éist programme HCI provides the following assitance to each organisation:

  • On-site Education and Training Programmes
    Covering the key aspects of Clinical Audit implementation and utilisation.
  • On-Site Support
    To assist in the project development HCI will work on-site with key members of staff to assure maximum efficacy in the development of the Clinical Audit programme.
  • Off-Site Support
    To assure a continuous support service HCI provides an off-site support system. This is available to provide ongoing advice and direction, between on-site visits, to the primary project coordinator.
  • Tools and Templates
    HCI will provide additional audit tools and templates, including audit software, to ensure that the organisation utilises its time most efficiently.

For more information on Éist contact us today info@hci.ie