Quantifying Quality: An Introduction to Clinical Audit in Paediatric Physiotherapy

Abstract

In a consumer-oriented National Health Service, quality control (clinical audit) is of increasing importance. Managers must be able to demonstrate both the efficiency and quality of their services when preparing business plans. This paper reports on a project to set, test, and quantify standards for clinical intervention. Since this type of work is in its infancy in paramedical services, a problem-solving approach was adopted. All staff helped in standard-setting and participated in testing. The audit was concerned with the process of intervention since outcome is extremely variable when dealing with chronic disorders involving multiple disabilities. The results were encouraging, demonstrating that the method was successful in quantifying the quality of intervention and had potential as a management tool for monitoring individual staff performance by indicating areas requiring additional support or training. It linked with the existing appraisal system by offering quantified targets for performance, and proved motivating to staff and consumers. The information gained may be useful in marketing the service. In a consumer-oriented National Health Service, quality control (clinical audit) is of increasing importance. Managers must be able to demonstrate both the efficiency and quality of their services when preparing business plans. This paper reports on a project to set, test, and quantify standards for clinical intervention. Since this type of work is in its infancy in paramedical services, a problem-solving approach was adopted. All staff helped in standard-setting and participated in testing. The audit was concerned with the process of intervention since outcome is extremely variable when dealing with chronic disorders involving multiple disabilities. The results were encouraging, demonstrating that the method was successful in quantifying the quality of intervention and had potential as a management tool for monitoring individual staff performance by indicating areas requiring additional support or training. It linked with the existing appraisal system by offering quantified targets for performance, and proved motivating to staff and consumers. The information gained may be useful in marketing the service.