Use of a commercial computer program for continuous audit of surgical complications.
Audit is essential for good medical practice, but is time-consuming, and each unit has been left to devise their own techniques. One method is described using a widely available computer package that allows the results to be charted and updated automatically. Any deterioration in performance is thus readily apparent. This method has been particularly useful for auditing shunt infections, but could easily be adapted for other uses.
Brydon
H L
HL
Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London.
Hayward
R D
RD
D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery*; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000379:methods*; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012984:Software