This dissertation of Lisanne Hut-Mossel shows that audits work best when healthcare professionals are genuinely engaged and take ownership. A sense of urgency is key. Audits that are driven from within, at the workplace, and supported by motivated professionals - the so-called “champions”- are far more likely to produce lasting improvements. Sharing results within teams and discussing them with leadership further strengthens their impact.
Audits are also valuable for medical residents. By completing a clinical audit, they build awareness of quality issues and develop leadership skills. A supportive learning environment – marked by collaboration, shared responsibility, and inspiring role models among senior doctors – makes all the difference.
For junior doctors in training leading quality projects, credibility is crucial. Credibility grows by demonstrating expertise, actively involving other healthcare professionals, and fostering a strong sense of teamwork.
The main conclusion of this research: Quality improvement is not a one-time effort but a continuous learning process following a PDCA-cycle. When hospitals build a culture in which everyone feels responsible for quality, audits and improvement initiatives gain momentum – ultimately leading to better care for patients.
