influence of surgical audit on surgical training

ABSTRACT

It is assumed but not proven that surgical audit influences surgical training. Too many variables are involved and the relationship appears too direct to require proof. Absolute candor in completely free and open discussion at mortality conferences are often modulated to suit the prevailing climate of medical litigation. In a setting where this last consideration was ignored, surgical deaths were arbitrarily attributed to either patient's disease or some clearly defined "errors ". The impact of weekly audit meetings on the education of surgical residents was assessed over a six year period. Increased autopsy rates and completeness of patient's charts were taken to reflect a positive impact of the adopted audit method on the clinical performance of surgical residents