title: ['Clinical auditing', a novel tool for quality assessment in surgical oncology].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether systematic audit and feedback of information about the process and outcomes improve the quality of surgical care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic literature review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for publications on 'quality assessment' and 'surgery'. The references of the publications found were examined as well. Publications were included in the review if the effect of auditing on the quality of surgical care had been investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the databases 2415 publications were found. After selection, 28 publications describing the effect of auditing, whether or not combined with a quality improvement project, on guideline adherence or indications of outcomes of care were included. In 21 studies, a statistically significant positive effect of auditing was reported. In 5 studies a positive effect was found, but this was either not significant or statistical significance was not determined. In 2 studies no effect was observed. 5 studies compared the combination of auditing with a quality improvement project with auditing alone; 4 of these reported an additional effect of the quality improvement project.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Audit and feedback of quality information seem to have a positive effect on the quality of surgical care. The use of quality information from audits for the purpose of a quality improvement project can enhance the positive effect of the audit.
authors.affiliation: Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Heelkunde, Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Nicoline J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: van Leersum
authors.forename: Nikki E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Kolfschoten
authors.forename: Jean H G
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Klinkenbijl
authors.forename: Rob A E M
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Tollenaar
authors.forename: Michel W J M
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Wouters
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000592:standards*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000592:standards*