Continuous Auditing Research Articles

Implementing an evidence-based structured education and management program in an inpatient adult oncology setting to improve patients' pain control.

Cancer-related pain is prevalent across the cancer trajectory, and is probably one of the most feared of all cancer symptoms for patients and their families. Although there were guidelines and framework regarding the management of cancer pain, pain control among patients remain suboptimal. This best practice implementation project aimed to improve patients' perception on cancer pain management and pain control through implementing structured patient and family education and patient information leaflet (PIL) on managing cancer pain. The current implementation project conducted in an adult oncology inpatient unit utilized the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice module for promoting evidence-based health care. A comparison between the preimplementation and postimplementation findings showed significant improvements for both audit criteria outcomes. The percentage of patients receiving verbal education rose from 0 to 69%, whereas the percentage of patients receiving PIL increased 0-100%. Patient compliance to analgesic regime increased from 0 to 100%. There was a significant improvement in patients' pain levels ( P < 0.001), with majority rate having none-mild pain post intervention. A structured educational program on cancer-related pain improved patients' knowledge on cancer-related pain management and pain control. Despite the remarkable increase in the compliance rate, further interventions may still be required to achieve 100% compliance. Continuous audits will be held to guide follow-up interventions to ensure compliance and sustention of the project.

Development and Implementation Path of Kindergarten Stem Educational Activities Based on Data Mining.

Early childhood education in China has given stem education constant attention and study. On the one hand, it has introduced many foreign research findings on stem education, such as curriculum practice, evaluation systems, teacher training, and so on; on the other hand, this paper investigates the localization implementation path of stem education based on the realities of kindergartens. This paper investigates the development and implementation path of kindergarten stem education activities using data mining, analyzes how the kindergarten stem education monitoring index system is developed and further improved using data mining algorithm, and determines the function path and mode of data mining algorithm in kindergarten stem education. It is expected to be used as a reference in the development and implementation of stem education and teaching activities. The development and implementation path of kindergarten stem educational activities based on data mining algorithm using data technology to realize continuous audit can not only improve the audit means and scope but also provide new research ideas for the expansion and innovation of audit work, which is useful in building a path model of kindergarten stem educational activities development and implementation.

CONTINUOUS AUDIT: PENERAPAN DAN PENGENDALIAN PELAKSANAAN FUNGSI AUDIT BERBASIS TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 is an era where information technology is developing rapidly and impacts all fields, including auditing, during a pandemic where interactions are limited. Auditors need a more sophisticated audit approach to prepare to present audit reports quickly. This study aims to see the implementation of continuous audits for a more efficient and effective implementation. The method used is a literature study based on scientific articles or credible publications. The conclusion is that continuous auditing is efficient and effective in auditing financial statements. Unfortunately, the application of this approach is constrained in several ways, namely the non-uniformity of information technology used by each client.

How Blockchain Innovation could affect the Audit Profession: A Qualitative Study

Blockchain is transforming not only the way of recording, processing and storing financial transactions and information, but also the way audit firms can practice their profession. The purpose of this article is to examine how this technology will affect the audit profession. Based on a qualitative study carried out on a sample of 17 auditors, this research shows that this technology could affect audit firms at six key levels. Blockchain will allow an auditor to (1) save time and improve the efficiency of their audit, (2) favor an audit covering the whole population instead of an audit based on sampling techniques, (3) focus the audit on testing controls rather than testing transactions, (4) set up a continuous audit process, (5) play a more strategic audit role and (6) develop new advisory services. The results underline the need for the establishment of a clear and coherent legislative system and new audit standards, allowing auditors to embed this technology and enhance audit practices. JEL Codes: M42

CONSTRUCTION OF A PROTECTED INFOCOMMUNICATION NETWORK UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF INFORMATION-TECHNICAL INFLUENCES ON THE ELEMENTS OF THE MEMORY COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Ensuring a secure information and communication network with memory requires a comprehensive approach that includes the use of modern encryption algorithms, hash functions, firewalls, VPN, and multi-factor authentication, as well as continuous monitoring and auditing of the network. Only such a comprehensive approach will allow for a high level of network security. Digitization, informatization, and globalization have provided the foundation for the formation of one of the most complex systems - cyberspace, which provides a wide range of information and communication services to the international community in various areas of life. The increasing pace of development of this system, its coverage and penetration into all spheres have led to the emergence of new forms of threats in cyberspace. The maximum damage from the realization of threats in cyberspace, which are carried out through information and technical influences, is determined by the potential harm caused to the target during its critical operational mode. Critical infrastructure has an especially high potential for harm. Its operation is usually ensured by an automated system for managing the technological process, the components of which communicate through communication networks. The issue of building a secure information and communication network in conditions of information and technical influences on communication network elements with memory has been investigated. A methodology for building a secure information and communication network in conditions of information and technical influences on communication network elements with memory has been presented. The possibility of transitioning from object protection of correspondents and communication network elements to group protection, as well as increasing the likelihood of data transmission in the event of blocking the spread of destructive influences and nodes of their sources, has been substantiated. It has been found that ensuring the stability of the information flow can be achieved, firstly, by increasing the security of correspondents and communication network elements through controlled physical placement of transmission and reception paths, as well as the use of modern means of protection, and secondly, by creating a system of continuous monitoring and auditing of the network.

Artificial intelligence in accounting profession: A way forward

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a buzz word in today's world irrespective of discipline. Accounting discipline is not an exception for AI application. Application of AI in accounting is enormous right from automating repetitive tasks, increasing accuracy and efficiency. AI creates potential to do more work with the available resources. AI facilitates in automating administrative tasks of accountants and there by create more time for analyzing and interpreting the data. AI facilitates accounting profession in three main areas. The first major area of AI application is invisible accounting, where AI automatically manages the process of gathering, sorting and visualizing data. The second most important area where AI helps accounting profession is in the area of continuous audit. AI can handle data review very fast. It can detect duplicate invoices; it can also help in assigning expenses to the correct categories. This facilitates continuous audit and build trust through better financial protection and control. The third area where AI is used in accounting profession is in gaining insights for better decision making. AI assist in business decision making based on actionable insights obtained from past transactional data and external factors. The article focus on discussing about AI application in the above mentioned areas by mentioning practical examples of AI implementation. The article will also highlight the benefits and challenges of AI implementation in accounting firms.

TRENDS IN PRESCRIPTION PATTERN IN MEDICAL INDIAN ICU AND IT’S IMPACT ON PATIENT OUTCOME

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the trends in prescribing pattern in medical ICU concerning patient age, gender, past, and current illness along with comorbidities for the evasion of polypharmacy and to improve patient outcomes. Methods: A prospective analysis of the case records of patients admitted to the ICU of Yashoda hospital in India was carried out. Results: 120 patients were evaluated, consisting of 77% male patients. The mean±SD of age is 53.81±14.63. The majority of the study subjects belonged to the age group of 50-67 y (32%) Most common causes for admission to the ICU were Respiratory diseases and Stroke. Diabetes mellitus and Hypertension are the most common co-morbidities identified. The total number of drugs used were 1502 during this study period. The average number of drugs per prescription is 12. The range is between 2-30. The average number of antibiotics per prescription is 3. Commonly prescribed drug classes were the GI agents in 100% of patients, followed by antimicrobial agents (AMAs) in 95.8% of patients. About 42.5% of patients received 3 antibiotics per day. 55 potential drug-drug interactions were interpreted in 46 patients. 30(55%) were moderate interactions 25(45%) were major interactions, which were addressed. De-escalation of antibiotics was seen in 29% of patients while escalation in 13%. The death rate is only 5% in our ICU setting. Conclusion: This prescription pattern study can provide a framework for continuous prescription audit in the ICU

Research on Application Hotspots of Blockchain Technology in Accounting Field

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that has had a significant impact on various industries in the accounting field. Through the retrieval of keywords and abstracts of 862 accounting journals on CNKI, and the statistics of relevant reports on the technical services launched by accounting firms for blockchain, with the help of Echart visualization software, the hot topics of research on the impact of blockchain technology on the accounting field are determined as follows: The problems of decentralization in blockchain system, real-time audit supported by blockchain, application of smart contracts, and role change of accountants and auditors are four aspects. Based on the research on the hot topics, the paper sorts out the current problems, and puts forward relevant suggestions such as strengthening the supervision system, advocating the flat management mode, promoting the construction of continuous audit activities, and strengthening the professional talent reserve. It provides reference for accountants and auditors to study blockchain technology in the future.

Оценка рисков в риск-ориентированных проверках подразделениями внутреннего аудита

The article combines the principles of risk management with the objectives of internal audit, defines and clarifies the concepts of risk management. Undoubtedly, external audit has a great influence on the formation of internal audit. This influence has both positive qualities, such as the use of the experience of highly qualified specialists from external audit, and a negative impact, due to the fact that external audit is primarily aimed at the confirmation of the financial statements of an organization, but in general does not consider business processes implemented in organizations, their effectiveness and adequacy to achieve organizations’ objectives, risks inherent in business processes. The article identifies the most important reason preventing the implementation of risk management principles in the Russian internal audit practice. The correlation of risk elements, which are sufficient for risk identification and risk level assessment within internal audit using a risk-oriented approach, has been disclosed. Based on the analysis of the essence of each risk element (risk source, event, consequence), their isolated role in assessing the likelihood of risk realization and the significance of the consequences, determining the necessity of risk management measures, has been determined. Using practical experience, the authors propose an algorithm of risk level assessment carried out within internal audit implementation. Possible qualitative and quantitative characteristics of determination of risk probability and materiality are considered. As part of the determination of the average likelihood of negative consequences’ occurrence, specific criteria of event likelihood assessment based on the history of similar events’ occurrence and the forecast assessment of likelihood of similar events’ occurrence are identified. Examples of determining the likelihood for each event within a group of events and the likelihood of occurrence of consequences in several groups of events are presented. Criteria for assessing the likelihood of risk realization are determined by establishing the set of events, whose simultaneous occurrence realizes the risk. Examples of financial and non-financial consequences and criteria for their assessment are given. In order to determine the elements of risk during internal audits, the essence of analytical procedures performed with the use of deductive and inductive methods is disclosed. At present, large Russian companies are taking certain steps to implement the principles of Industry 4.0 in their business processes. This trend has not passed unnoticed for internal audit; for example, principles of continuous audit and automated analysis of databases are being implemented. However, the implementation often ignores the main condition that this article discusses; without it implementation attempts will only lead to an irrational use of organizational resources. Contribution of the authors: the authors contributed equally to this article. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

The Strategy to Optimize the Role of Government Internal Supervisory Apparatus (APIP) in Procurement Fraud Risk Management in Industry 4.0

Many challenges confront the efforts to build procurement fraud risk management in Industry 4.0. This study aims to assess the risk of procurement fraud in industry 4.0 and disclose strategies to optimize the role of internal auditors in mitigating these risks. The mixed-method has been conducted with data on procurement fraud risks generally accepted by government agencies. A survey involving 140 respondents and interviews with five experts have been completed. The risk assessment in the research findings involved seven procurement fraud risks, with "collusion between providers in e-tendering" ranking the highest. Procurement management must detect and prevent fraud by creating anti-hacker applications, conducting data analytics on business ownership, and ongoing monitoring. Internal auditors must undertake fraud prevention by improving their ability in data analytics, encouraging probity plans, and procurement assistance. Fraud detection is carried out through performance audits using computer-assisted audit techniques, probity audits, information technology governance audits, continuous audits, data analytics, and internal auditor integrity assessments through surveys to the auditee.

AUDIT OF CALCULATIONS FOR PAYMENTS TO EMPLOYEES AT THE ENTERPRISE

The purpose of the article is to study the organization and methodology of audit of payments to employees at the enterprise. The methodology consists in the use of the following methods: method of observation, methods of analysis and synthesis, monographic method, method of generalization. The scientific novelty of the work is to improve the organization and methodology of audit of payments to employees, which will objectively evaluate the level of these payments in the total costs of the enterprise, to verify the correctness of the formation of employee benefits under current legislation at enterprises. Conclusions. In modern business conditions, accounting of payments to employees of constant control and improvement. Any incorrect entry, error in calculations, lack of documentation, incorrect approach to the formation of wages, other payments can cause not only problems with the calculation of wages and other payments to employees, but also lead to incorrect reflection of other economic indicators of the enterprise. Audit of employee benefits usually takes up a significant portion of the audit, as this area of accounting is quite specific and requires the auditor to pay more attention and concentration. However, it should be noted that there is no single approach to the organization and methodology of the audit, namely: experts suggest considering the audit of payments as a list of issues to be investigated. The lack of a systematic approach to the audit of payment settlements makes it impossible to consider this process comprehensively, in accordance with a clearly defined purpose and objectives of the audit. Payments, as the object of the audit, need special attention because it is a time-consuming and voluminous stage, during which it is impossible to conduct a continuous audit. At the enterprises with a significant number of employees, it is almost impossible to verify salary transactions in a continuous manner in the short period of time allotted for the for the conduction of audit. That is why the audit mainly uses a selective method of checking documents and transactions on salary, which is justified and appropriate, although not sufficiently developed. That is why audit the calculations of payments to employees at the enterprise is important. Keywords: audit, payments to employees, salary, audit of payment settlements.

A Fast Adoption Methodology of Continuous Auditing in an SAP ERP Environment

&lt;p&gt;Continuous auditing is a strategic information system that uses data analytic technology, allowing enterprises to automate control examination, risk assessment, and compliance. However, this remains challenging for the internal audit department when adopting the new technology. This paper will discuss a continuous auditing fast adoption methodology in the systems applications products (SAP) enterprise resource planning (ERP) environment. In addition, it will discuss two industry case studies and describe the life cycle of the adoption of the new technology as a lesson learned.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Continuous monitoring and continuous auditing implementation in Indonesian Higher Education

Indonesian higher education needs to operate its activity based on productivity and efficiency. However, in reality, it faces several issues, including but not limited to lack of standard of operation, financial fraud, and non-compliance with applicable regulations. Continuous Monitoring (CM) and Continuous Auditing (CA) are essential to prevent issues related to the institutions circumstances. This research explains how organizational culture, information quality, and intellectual capital affect CM and CA applications. This study obtained the data through questionnaires sent to 102 members of the internal control unit. Using the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling to analyze the data. The results showed a positive and significant influence of organizational culture on the applications of CM and CA. Other findings are that information quality and intellectual capital had a positive and significant influence on CA application. On the other hand, information quality and intellectual capital have a positive but insignificant influence on CM application.

247 BENCHMARKING STROKE SERVICES TO INFORM A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INIAITIVE

Abstract Background Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Ireland. Continuous audit and quality improvement is essential in the delivery of stroke care where the evidence basis is constantly changing. This helps to ensure the delivery of high quality stroke care and compliance with evidenced based guidelines. We aimed to assess stroke care at an Irish university teaching hospital. Methods Patients with a HIPE discharge diagnosis of Cerebral Infarction or Cerebral Haemorrhage (1st January-31st December 2019) were identified through both the HIPE database and the institutional Stroke Portal. Data was benchmarked against national (Irish National Audit of Stroke 2019) and international (6th SSNAP Annual Report; American Heart Association, 2013) practice and used to inform a quality improvement strategy. Results 419 patients were included (56.6% male, median 57 years). 75.9% were aged 65 years or older. We compared favourably with Irish National Audit of Stoke national indicators on the following: thrombolysis rates-10%; median door to needle time-60 mins; stroke unit admissions- 78.5%; median duration of symptoms- 3 hours 6 minutes; swallow assessment- 81.1%; in-patient mortality- 10.5%; rates of institutionalisation- 3.8%. Areas identified for improvement were: thrombectomy rates- 1.9%; median length of stay- 12 days; door to imaging time- median 104 minutes; mood screening- 11.5%. Conclusion International and national data is a useful benchmark against which local hospitals can assess the quality of their service. By completing this quality improvement initiative we identified areas to target resources in our centre, including mood screening, swallow screening, thrombectomy rates, length of stay and time to neuroimaging. An ongoing quality improvement process using ‘PDSA’ methodology is being carried out with an annual audit to monitor progress.

EP.TU.270Improving Treatment Escalation Plan (TEP) Completion Rate for General Surgical Patients

Abstract Aims Treatment Escalation Plan (TEP) is essential for recognition of patients’ ceiling for care in the event of clinical deterioration. It should be clearly documented to ensure continuity of care, especially during Covid-19 pandemic. This audit aims to evaluate and improve the TEP filling rate for general surgical patients. Methods A prospective data collection was performed for one week in July 2020 in general surgical wards. Data on patients’ gender, age, presence of DNACPR form and date of TEP completion were collected from patients’ clinical notes. Data was analysed using SPSS statistic software. Educational posters were displayed in the ward and presentation was done to emphasise the importance of TEP documentation. Second audit cycle was done in August 2020 to assess for improvement in TEP filling rate. Results In the first cycle, 60 patients were included with a mean age of 60. Only 11.7% patients had TEP form filled in with a mean delay of 2.7 days since admission. In the second cycle, 57 patients were included with a mean age of 66. 28.1% patients had TEP form documented with a mean delay of 1.7 days. This has shown a 140% improvement in completion rate of TEP form and 59% reduction in the delay in TEP documentation. Conclusions TEP is essential to ensure that patients received optimal care when their condition deteriorate. Simple intervention such as educational posters will help to improve the TEP completion rate. However, continuous auditing is required to ensure improvement in TEP documentation for surgical patients.

EP.TU.1068Developing a Major Trauma Nursing Education Framework in Manchester

Abstract Aims The opening of the Major Trauma Ward (MTW) at Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust represents a key milestone for managing major adult trauma within the Greater Manchester conurbation. We present an overview of the development of a novel Major Trauma Nursing Education Framework incorporating both the induction and continuing professional development of trauma nurses. Methods The MTW nursing skillset combines elements from acute surgical specialities and rehabilitation medicine. A framework for education was constructed from the Adult Nursing Competencies for the Major Trauma Patient (National Major Trauma Nursing Group) and the Trauma Intermediate Life Support curriculum. An induction programme was developed with a Competencies Workbook for an interim period including external courses for band 5 (Nurse Trauma and Critical Care course) and senior nurses (ALS and Neonatal, Adult and Paediatric Safe Transfer and Retrieval Course). An annual training programme will renew these competencies. Results Feedback from the first cohort for the induction programme has been positive, particularly with the third of nurses who did not feel confident managing trauma patients prior to induction (Wilcoxin-signed rank test, p = 0.00116). Free text comments ranged from the completeness of the topics covered to the delivery methods of the curriculum and how to work effectively within the wider multidisciplinary team. Conclusions The development of a formal Major Trauma Nursing Education Framework is necessary for a modern trauma workforce. Feedback has so far been positive. Continual audit of the framework will be necessary to ensure and improve the quality of delivery of education.

Research on XBRL Continuous Internal Audit under the Big Data

The development of digital industrialization has promoted the continuous emergence of new industries, new formats and new models, and has also promoted the transformation of the traditional internal audit model to digital and intelligent. Big data, cloud computing, XBRL, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies are important means to achieve full audit coverage, big data audit has become a hot topic in the current audit field, relevant literature mainly focuses on the impact of big data on traditional audit concepts and audit methods, the impact and risks of big data technology on informatization audits, and how the auditing community responds. However, the research on the integration of big data technology and XBRL technology into continuous internal auditing is relatively rare. Based on the introduction of three XBRL continuous internal audit models, this article analyzes the continuous internal audit process of the XBRL information system, and discusses the application of big data technology in XBRL continuous internal audit.

Assessing the impacts of digital transformation on internal auditing: A bibliometric analysis

During the last years, the impacts caused by digital transformation on companies have been disruptive. Contrarily to prior technological revolutions, the current scenario is characterized by the rapid growth of innovation that has impacted organizations differently. In particular, an increasing number of organizations revised their management control systems to adequate their business models to the external pressures made by competitors and regulators. The research aims consist of a bibliometric analysis about the impacts caused by digital transformation on managerial auditing. The research reveals the existence of four independent research area: continuous auditing (Green Cluster), fraud detection (Blue Cluster), data analytics (Yellow Cluster) and technological innovation (Red Cluster). Finally, we developed a research agenda in order to address future research.

On the impact of smart contracts on auditing

The use of smart contracts has grown exponentially over the last few years. This is a phenomenon associated with the development of other technologies, such as the blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart contracts run in a decentralized way on the blockchain and are self- executing. This is a source of advantages in business operations, but there are also some limitations and drawbacks. Regulatory issues are also of key importance, as the legal frameworks differ across countries. Smart contracts are likely to have an impact on external auditing, as external auditors will have to adapt their capabilities and procedures to an environment where many companies use this technology. But smart contracts may also be used to define a framework which ensures continuous audit reports and direct access of authorized stakeholders to the results of audit procedures. Conversely, internal auditing will also experiment changes, both caused by a series of new risks that will have to be adequately addressed and new tools to monitor business operations. In addition, some promising research opportunities arise, both in the IT, the Legal and the Business field.

The problematical nature of auditor independence: a historical perspective

ABSTRACT Much of the utility of the external audit derives from a presumption that professional auditors are independent and will therefore provide impartial opinions – premises that have often been challenged in recent decades. Focusing initially on a nineteenth-century phenomenon, the ‘continuous audit’, this study provides a historical perspective for reviewing contemporary concerns with the audit function by revealing that failings in auditor independence date from the naissance of the professional audit. It is shown that the continuous audit served primarily the needs of management. That is, in modern parlance, it was a form of management consulting carried out under the guise of an independent service for the benefit of shareholders. Eventually this deception proved unsustainable as the emergent audit profession sought to strengthen its claim to independence and company managers sought more cost-effective means for the routine monitoring of operations. Lack of independence and conflict of interest persisted, however, continuing to be masked by a rhetorical discourse that protected the occupational territory and authority of the audit profession through to the present day.