NCJ Number
168206
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper is intended as a practical introduction to the audit of psychotherapy practice for those new to this area at both the clinical and management levels; it refers primarily to standards within the British National Health Service but can be useful for clinicians in other countries.
Abstract
The author favors Parry's (1992) definition of audit, which is based on "reflective practice within a self-evaluating psychotherapy service and a systemic approach which can take account of the perspectives of patients, purchasers, service managers, referrers and practitioners." A discussion of the audit setting advises that the development of a successful audit will be determined by the kinds of issues that trouble, interest, or preoccupy clinicians, patients, and managers. As such, the starting point for those interested in implementing an audit in their workplace is to clarify the nature of the service offered, at whom it is aimed, and who staffs it. A section on audit procedures distinguishes three kinds of audits: the self-audit (what occurs between the patient and therapist); the service audit (what occurs within the service); and the management audit (what occurs within the broader overall management of services). One description of how to audit is expressed in the "Audit Circle," whose elements are to select a topic, set a standard, measure practice against standards, and implement change. Another procedure is the "Audit Spiral," whose elements are to select a standard, assess local practice, compare with the standard, implement change, and re-audit. Another procedure is depicted as the "Audit Triangle," which involves examining common processes, common treatments, and potential adverse outcomes.