Developing role of medical audit advisory groups.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the approaches to audit of different medical audit advisory groups (MAAGs) and to consider the implications for evaluation of their activities and their developing role in the light of new priorities for clinical audit.


METHODS
Qualitative study based on semistructured interviews.


METHODS
15 family health services authority (FHSA) districts in two English health regions.


METHODS
MAAG chairpersons and support staff and FHSA general managers and medical advisors in each district, totalling 68 subjects.


METHODS
Structures and activities of MAAGs; perceptions of the MAAG's role and its achievements compared with the initial brief in a health circular in 1990.


RESULTS
The approaches of different MAAGs varied considerably: some concentrated on promoting audit and others were involved in a wider range of development activities. MAAGs assessed their progress in various different ways. The importance of collaborative working was recognised, but few interface audit projects had been undertaken. MAAGs had little contact with other quality assurance activities in the FHSA, and FHSA involvement in the MAAG strategy was variable, although MAAGs were taking steps to improve communication with the FHSA.


CONCLUSIONS
Major differences exist in the approaches taken by MAAGs and the roles they fulfil, which will make evaluation of their effectiveness a complex task. Already MAAGs are responding to changing expectations about audit and pressure for closer links with management.
Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London.
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Humphrey
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Berrow
D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000592:standards; D011367:Professional Staff Committees / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D006113:United Kingdom