ERAS AfricaLearning
Course catalogue · Quality and safety

Clinical Audit for Quality Improvement

Measure your own practice against a standard, close the gap, and prove it improved

Online, self paced2.5 hours5 modules · 20 lessons3.5 CEUNarratedCertificate
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What you will learn

  • Define clinical audit and distinguish it from research, surveillance and inspection.
  • Name the stages of the audit cycle in order.
  • Write an audit aim and objectives using action verbs.
  • Distinguish structure, process and outcome criteria.
  • Define the audit population and choose a practical sample.
  • Select data sources and decide between retrospective and prospective collection.
  • Deliver audit feedback in a way that leads to agreed action.
  • Analyse why a gap exists using root cause tools.
  • Plan a re-audit that is comparable with the first cycle.
  • Write an audit report and present it to a quality committee.

Syllabus

5 modules, each with a knowledge check
🔍1. Why audit, and what it isAudit is how a team finds out whether it does what it says it does.4 lessons · 31 min
  1. 1.1 What clinical audit is7 min
  2. 1.2 Audit, research, surveillance and inspection8 min
  3. 1.3 Audit in the Ethiopian health system8 min
  4. 1.4 Choosing a topic8 min

Objectives. Define clinical audit and distinguish it from research, surveillance and inspection. Name the stages of the audit cycle in order. Explain where audit sits in Ethiopian clinical governance, SaLTS reporting and CPD. Choose and justify an audit topic using explicit prioritisation criteria.

📏2. Standards and criteriaYou cannot measure a gap without a line to measure from.4 lessons · 28 min
  1. 2.1 Aims and objectives6 min
  2. 2.2 Criteria and standards8 min
  3. 2.3 Finding standards7 min
  4. 2.4 Writing the criterion set7 min

Objectives. Write an audit aim and objectives using action verbs. Distinguish structure, process and outcome criteria. Write a criterion with a target, exceptions and an evidence source. Locate Ethiopian and international standards for a chosen topic.

📋3. Measuring practiceGood data come from a boring plan followed exactly.4 lessons · 31 min
  1. 3.1 Population and sample8 min
  2. 3.2 Data sources7 min
  3. 3.3 The data collection form8 min
  4. 3.4 Analysis and presentation8 min

Objectives. Define the audit population and choose a practical sample. Select data sources and decide between retrospective and prospective collection. Design and pilot a data collection form that protects confidentiality. Calculate compliance and present it in a simple table and chart.

🔄4. Feeding back and changing practiceThe most important part of the audit cycle is making change.4 lessons · 29 min
  1. 4.1 Feedback that leads to action7 min
  2. 4.2 Why the gap exists8 min
  3. 4.3 Planning and managing change8 min
  4. 4.4 Typical changes and sustaining them6 min

Objectives. Deliver audit feedback in a way that leads to agreed action. Analyse why a gap exists using root cause tools. Build an action plan with owners and dates. Apply change management principles and PDSA cycles to implement it.

🏁5. Closing the loop and building an audit cultureAn audit is finished when the second measurement shows the change held.4 lessons · 30 min
  1. 5.1 Re-audit7 min
  2. 5.2 The report and the presentation7 min
  3. 5.3 Appraising an audit7 min
  4. 5.4 Your audit programme and your plan9 min

Objectives. Plan a re-audit that is comparable with the first cycle. Write an audit report and present it to a quality committee. Appraise the quality of an audit and recognise a poor one. Design a departmental audit programme linked to SaLTS, MPDSR and CPD.

Pre-test 15 items before Module 1, not graded  ·  Post-test 30 items, pass mark 80%  ·  Capstone a written plan you export and keep

How it is taught

Narrated micro lessons

Every screen has recorded narration that adds context and examples from Ethiopian hospitals. Lessons are five to ten minutes and resume where you stopped, on any device.

Decisions, not slides

Branching scenarios, matching, ordering and short written tasks with immediate feedback and the reasoning, whichever way you answer.

Blended option

Five ninety minute workshops, one per module, built around the learner audit plans.

Tools for Monday

Printable ward cards, checklists and audit forms are linked from the modules and free to adapt.

Frequently asked

How long do I have?

There is no deadline. Most learners finish in one to three weeks of short sessions. Your progress is saved to your account.

Is there a cost?

No. Enrolment, the course, the certificate and the resources are free.

What if I fail the post-test?

You can retake it. The feedback after each item tells you which module to revisit.

Is the certificate recognised for licence renewal?

The certificate states the CEU value calculated at one CEU per hour of learning in line with the national CPD Guideline, with a verification number. Recognition for licence renewal depends on accreditation by the CPD accreditor, which ERAS Africa and the EAA are pursuing.

Can my hospital run it as a workshop?

Yes. Each module has a facilitated 90 minute session plan. Contact ERAS Africa through the website to arrange a cohort.