COMPUTER-BASED SURGICAL AUDIT PROGRAMS: A REVIEW OF THREE CURRENT OPTIONS

Background: In order to find the most useful computerized auditing system for the needs of the QE II Hospital surgical department three surgical auditing software programs were assessed. Methods: The Otago University Surgical Auditing Program, the Australian Surgical Auditing Program, and RACS‐Audit were trialled for a period of 1 month each. The software programs were evaluated to find the time requirements for data entry, the level of surgical knowledge needed for effective audit information entry, and the perceived usefulness of the generated reports. Results: It was found that the Otago University program best suited the needs of the department. This system was designed for use in a hospital environment with multiple users. The method of data collection was simple and rapid. Entry of data into the program was logical, well structured and able to be performed by both junior medical staff and clerical staff. Reports generated by this system included information in an appropriate format for the departments' morbidity and mortality meetings. Conclusion: Personal computers are an ideal tool for the undertaking of surgical audit. Software programs are designed for different uses and should be critically assessed to ensure that the method of data entry, the time involved, and the reports generated enable an efficient and effective audit to be carried out.