You are required to complete one clinical/practice audit in respect of your own practice during the PCS year 1^st May 2021 – 30^th April 2022. Essentially this clinical/practice audit is a systematic review and evaluation of your current practice with reference to research-based standards to improve patient care. An audit is a continuous process aiming to improve patient’s care and practice excellence.

The recommended time for audit activity is 12 hours per year. This includes preparation time, data collection. Depending on circumstance (e.g. Hospital practice, independent practice, community, practice) this maybe be easily achievable through systems already in place or may require bespoke projects designed and implemented by the doctor.   RCSI PCS Clinical Audit User Guide

The Medical Council has reviewed advice in relation to data protection implications on Clinical /practice audit and confirms that t General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Data Protection Act 2018 do not preclude doctors underatking propely designed audits. They have requested that we circulate the following link so that you are informed of this advice – click here

The following are some useful links in relation to GDPR and Audit

• HSE:  The National review of Clinical Audit

• NOCA:  (National Office of Clinical Audit) GDPR Guidance for clinical audit  

• RCSI : Guide to General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)