The Importance Of Healthcare Internal Auditing

Most times, when the word ‘Auditing’ is heard it is seen as a wholly financial activity that ensures that monetary records are properly kept according to national and international standards. But as we move further, we find out there are more types of auditing: for example the Operational audit that ensures that the mode of operation adopted by a company is up to standard and in keeping with their fore-stated goals. Here we have another form of editing, one that is very necessary as the lives of people depend on it. It’s known as healthcare auditing. According to Dr. Mary Harding (patient.info); auditing in healthcare is a process used by health professionals to assess, evaluate and improve care of patients in a systematic way.

This form of audit compares a healthcare facility practices against the standard that is set with the aim of bringing about upgrade in the existing practices. It forms a part of clinical governance with the aim of safeguarding a high quality of clinical care for patients.

This form of audit evaluates the form of care available to patients, the system entailed in such care and the final outcome of it.

Every hospital and health care facility is required to go through regular audit while taking part in systems of quality assurance and improvement. There is also a need to respond positively to the results of the audit and take further training wherever necessary.

In this article, we will be dealing with internal auditing; the process whereby a healthcare facility handles this assessment within itself by appointing some independent qualified staff to pinpoint areas for improvement. This has nothing to do with financial reports but centers solely on Operational systems within the facility.

So Why is Health Care Internal Auditing so important?

 1- PATIENT CARE

As long as the standard for Healthcare facilities is followed strictly,  we can be sure that patients will be well taken care of. This is because prices would be moderated and healthcare staff would be ready to take responsibility for the patients.

 2- PROTECTION OF DATA

Since the audit covers security and privacy policies, sensitive information will be protected. Leaking of undue information to the public will be restricted.

 3- DISEASES UPDATE

The audit will ensure that every medical staff of the facility is up-to-date with recent knowledge; which include disease causes and solutions

 4- FLEXIBILITY

Frequent internal auditing prevents rigidity. This is because, new knowledge is acquired and a wheel of dynamism is set on the roll.

 5- STAFF TRAINING

Regular auditing creates a platform for continuing education and training so that no one is left behind.

 6- PREPARATION FOR EXTERNAL AUDITING

When your healthcare facility is frequently audited internally; you can be sure of minimal, even zero errors, when it is time for the external audit.

So there you have it. Get your health care facility audited today and save yourself stress in the future.