Training activity information
Details
Perform the following audits, draft a report of findings and make recommendation for actions:
- Clinical
- Horizontal
- Vertical
- Examination
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Local processes and SOPs
- Audit cycle
- Quality management system
- Role of the quality manager
- Local and national standards
- Standards for accreditation
- Continuous improvement
- Internal audit regime
- Training and competence records
- Reporting mechanisms
- Clinical effectiveness
- Clinical governance guidance and systems
- Role in maintaining and improving patient centred care
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the different types of audits (clinical, horizontal, vertical, examination) and what do they each focus on?
- What are the standard operating procedures (SOPs) or guidelines for conducting these audits?
- What templates are available for drafting audit reports?
- Consider the specific insights you hope to gain from engaging with this activity, such as how to plan and conduct an audit effectively, how to analyse audit findings, and how to formulate clear and actionable recommendations. Think about what you already know about audit processes.
- Discuss the specific audit(s) you will be undertaking with your training officer to gain clarity of understanding.
- Review any relevant documentation related to the audit topic and process.
- Consider possible challenges you might face in collecting data, interpreting findings, or writing the report.
- Identify how you feel about undertaking audit activities.
In action
- Pay attention to your actions. How are you approaching the audit process (e.g., data collection methods, interview techniques)? Why are you choosing these methods?
- What decisions are you making as you gather information? Are you adjusting your approach based on the information you are finding?
- What aspects of the audit feel intuitive (e.g., following a checklist), and what requires more conscious effort (e.g., probing for underlying causes or identifying non-conformities)?
- How effective are your actions in gathering relevant information and identifying areas of compliance and non-compliance? Are you encountering any difficulties in accessing data or engaging with staff?
- What challenges are you facing during the audit? Are there ambiguities in the audit criteria or resistance to providing information?
- What can you learn from the audit process as it unfolds? Are you gaining insights into departmental processes or areas where improvements are needed?
- How does this audit connect to your existing knowledge of quality management and accreditation standards? Is the audit highlighting the importance of specific standards or procedures?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering for gathering information or assessing compliance? Could you use different sampling techniques or interview different staff members?
- Would it be helpful to consult with a more experienced auditor or review audit guidelines?
- Are you conducting the audit in a way that is consistent with audit principles and departmental policies?
On action
- What type of audit did you perform (Clinical, Horizontal, Vertical, or Examination)?
- What were the key areas or processes that were audited?
- What were the main findings of the audit, including areas of compliance and non-compliance?
- What recommendations for action did you include in your draft report?
- What did you learn about the audit process and its importance in maintaining quality and accreditation standards?
- What skills in data collection, analysis, and report writing did you develop or improve?
- Were there any unexpected findings during the audit? What did you learn from these?
- What areas for continued development have been identified in your ability to plan, conduct, or report on audits?
- How can you apply the learning from this activity to future audit participation or leadership?
- What specific actions or ‘next steps’ will you now take to ensure the audit findings and recommendations are addressed?
- What support or resources might you need to further develop your auditing skills and knowledge of relevant standards?
Beyond action
- Look back at your initial reflect-on-action notes on the audit you performed, your findings, and your recommendations. With more experience, do you see any aspects of the audit you might have approached differently or any additional recommendations you could have made?
- Have you participated in or led other audits since this DTA? How did this initial experience prepare you for those subsequent activities?
- Did you discuss your audit experience with colleagues? Did these conversations highlight any alternative perspectives or best practices in auditing?
- How has this activity deepened your understanding of the importance of audits in maintaining quality management and accreditation standards?
- Have you applied the skills you learned in conducting this audit, such as data collection, analysis, and report writing, in other areas of your work?
- Consider how the experience of performing an audit and drafting a report might support you in preparing for observed communication events, such as presenting audit findings.
- Understand how the ability to perform audits and make recommendations contributes to your role in ensuring the continued delivery and development of an effective histopathology service.
- Identify transferable skills gained, such as critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to propose and justify changes. How might these skills be valuable in future quality improvement roles or leadership positions?
- Identify actions for continued development in your auditing skills and knowledge of relevant standards.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Practice safely in accordance with quality management and accreditation standards. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Evaluate equipment and methods to ensure the continued delivery and development of an effective histopathology service. |