Comparative audit: a new method of delivering audit.

A new method of audit delivery is described, based on the first large scale comparative audit meeting held at The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The concept of comparative audit is introduced and the methods of undertaking such an exercise are described. This comparative audit processed the clinical activity of 45 general surgeons during 1989 amounting to 49,005 patient admissions. As an illustration of this technique the comparative analysis of 3,710 inguinal hernia procedures accounting for 12,600 total stay days is used in order to illustrate data manipulation, ranking and presentation in chart form. Conclusions are drawn and suggestions as to the future role of the technique are outlined.