A study on how mental health practitioners address ethical issues in clinical audit

ASHMORE, R. J. (2004). A study on how mental health practitioners address ethical issues in clinical audit. Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing, 12 (1), 112-120.

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Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2004.019588

Abstract

Although much debate has taken place within the literature on the differences between research and clinical audit, the ethical dimensions of audit have frequently been neglected. Furthermore, no research has of yet explored what ethical issues auditors consider in relation to their projects or how they manage them in practice. Using data collected from audit documentation, semi-structured interviews and a researcher-administered questionnaire, this study sought to advance this position by exploring how 14 clinicians undertook audits in one mental health Trust addressed the ethical dimensions of their project. Analysis of the data revealed that the Trust had no formal mechanisms for reviewing and monitoring audit projects whilst other informal mechanisms were not utilized by all auditors. A number of projects had contact with both clinicians and service users through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires; however, issues such as informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity were not adequately addressed by auditors. The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations for practice outlined.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: clinical audit, confidentiality, ethics, informed consent, monitoring mechanisms
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.2004.019588
Page Range: 112-120
Depositing User: Ann Betterton
Date Deposited: 04 Apr 2008
Last Modified: 19 Mar 2021 01:15
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/248

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