Are You Auditing What Matters — Or What’s Easiest?
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It’s tempting to audit what’s easiest — is the MAR chart complete, are files signed, have staff done mandatory training? But that won’t improve the experience of people using your service. To do that, you need to focus on what really matters.
đź“Š Outcomes, Not Just Outputs
Good audits go beyond compliance to ask deeper questions:
- Is this person’s care aligned with their preferences?
- Does our service consistently deliver safe, person-centred care?
- What’s changing in people’s lives as a result of our support?
🔍 Audit from the Front Line
Audits should reflect the real lived experience of people and staff. That means:
- Direct observation and feedback, not just reviewing paperwork
- Auditing what matters to people using services, not just CQC standards
- Capturing good practice as well as identifying risks
💡 Use the Results — Don’t Just File Them
If audits don’t drive change, they’re not doing their job. Make sure:
- Findings are shared with frontline staff and followed up
- Actions are realistic, measurable, and time-bound
- Lessons learned feed into training and supervision
Audit with purpose. Don’t just prove compliance — improve care.