Medical audit in clinical pathology.

Introduction There are now many definitions of medical audit, varying from that of Working Paper 6, through those of various authors on the topic, to that of a lay member of our health authority who commented that "medical audit is asking the questions the patient would ask if they knew what questions to ask". From these definitions certain key attributes of medical audit may be gleaned. First, medical audit is aimed at improving quality both of the service provided and the quality of life for the patient.' It is centred on the patient rather than dealing with professional standards. Secondly, it involves peer review of practice which is an essential element of professional behaviour and is the basis of professional development.2 Thirdly, medical audit is educational both in the sense that it is an activity which of itself promotes learning but also by its links with more formal educational processes.3 Fourthly, it is based on the setting of standards of clinical activity and monitoring actual practice against these standards. Standards are explicit statements of some aspects of practice which are capable of being measured in an agreed fashion.4 Fifthly, that where standards are not met there is an effective process to remedy the situation. This involves change whether of organisation and systems or within individuals in terms of knowledge, skills, or attitudes.