R R Shockledge1, F J Hill. 1. Unit of Paediatric Dentistry, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, UK.
Abstract
AIMS: To report a simple clinical audit which was conducted within a single hospital paediatric dental unit and to demonstrate the potential value of such small-scale projects. DESIGN: A criterion-based audit of radiographic practice which was repeated after 3 years in order to evaluate changes. SETTING: Six 1 hour meetings of an audit group consisting of the staff and postgraduate students of the Unit. SAMPLE AND METHODS: Various aspects of radiographic usage were quantitatively assessed using a sample of patient records and a pre-planned check list to assess the extent to which agreed good-practice criteria were being met. The initial audit identified areas for improvement which were addressed before repeating the exercise 3 years later. RESULTS: Clinical note-keeping to accompany radiographic examinations was found to be the least satisfactory area of practice. When the exercise was repeated, encouraging improvements were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The audit was worthwhile because it appeared to produce improvements in standards of patient care.
AIMS: To report a simple clinical audit which was conducted within a single hospital paediatric dental unit and to demonstrate the potential value of such small-scale projects. DESIGN: A criterion-based audit of radiographic practice which was repeated after 3 years in order to evaluate changes. SETTING:Six 1 hour meetings of an audit group consisting of the staff and postgraduate students of the Unit. SAMPLE AND METHODS: Various aspects of radiographic usage were quantitatively assessed using a sample of patient records and a pre-planned check list to assess the extent to which agreed good-practice criteria were being met. The initial audit identified areas for improvement which were addressed before repeating the exercise 3 years later. RESULTS: Clinical note-keeping to accompany radiographic examinations was found to be the least satisfactory area of practice. When the exercise was repeated, encouraging improvements were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The audit was worthwhile because it appeared to produce improvements in standards of patient care.