Understanding how and why audits work: protocol for a realist review of audit programmes to improve hospital care.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Many types of audits are commonly used in hospital care to promote quality improvements. However, the evidence on the effectiveness of audits is mixed. The objectives of this proposed realist review are (1) to understand how and why audits might, or might not, work in terms of delivering the intended outcome of improved quality of hospital care and (2) to examine under what circumstances audits could potentially be effective. This protocol will provide the rationale for using a realist review approach and outline the method.

Methods and analysis

This review will be conducted using an iterative four-stage approach. The first and second steps have already been executed. The first step was to develop an initial programme theory based on the literature that explains

SUBMITTER: Hut-Mossel L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5541620 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature