Understanding how and why audits work: protocol for a realist review of audit programmes to improve hospital care (June 2017)

Summary

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 review from Gans et al. is (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.