Developing practice through clinical audit

This paper examines in detail how mental health nurses can successfully utilize clinical audit to improve quality of care for patients. An emphasis is given to active involvement of nurses at all stages of the audit process. To achieve real improvements in quality emphasis is placed on having clear recommendations and the implementation of minimum standards across the organization. In a mental health trust an example is given of how mental health nurses, through an audit project, are working towards ensuring the standard of Depot Neuroleptic Administration. The steps needed to complete the audit cycle and implement change in a large trust are discussed.