A multi-dimensional incomplete stepped-wedge trial design to estimate the impact of standards-based audit.

ABSTRACT: A clinical audit is a low-cost process used for quality improvement in healthcare. Such audits are however infrequently used in resource poor countries, where the need for and potential impact of quality improvement is higher. Sets of standards for use in maternal and newborn care have been established based on internal guidelines and evidence. The before-after design of a clinical audit is prone to bias in the estimation of the impact of conducting a clinical audit. A trial design that would provide an unbiased estimate of the impact of implementing a clinical audit process on the attainment of standards selected (a standards-based audit) was needed. The aim of this paper is to introduce and describe the design of trials we developed to meet this need. A novel randomised stepped-wedge tri

SUBMITTER: White SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10688679 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature