Links between clinical audit and contracting systems.

In 1989, a programme of clinical audit was introduced throughout the UK National Health Service (NHS), in an attempt to improve care through the application of quality methodology to clinical issues. However, the role of clinical audit in the new NHS "internal market" is unclear. Reviews evidence on the development of audit and concludes that it has operated largely in isolation, under professional control. Central policy is now advocating greater purchaser and provider management involvement in audit, enabling feedback from and to service provision and management decisions. Where there are constructive local relationships the opening up of audit should be beneficial, but these do not always exist. Discusses a range of models for the interaction of clinical audit with wider NHS management systems. Recommends a split system of professionally controlled background audit and collaborative shared audits to balance conflicting goals.