Audit and improvement

Audit demonstrates quality and supports improvement. Examples include checking prescribing against local formularies, reviewing standard antibiotic treatment durations, monitoring referrals and follow-up, and identifying incomplete records or avoidable delays.

Pharmacy technicians can assist by gathering agreed data, maintaining an audit trail and helping to implement action plans, without judging clinical appropriateness beyond their competence.

Findings should be reviewed with the prescriber, mentor, ICB or local practices, as appropriate.