There is much evidence from clinical governance visits and appraisals to suggest that many GPs experience uncertainty and difficulty in understanding clinical audit methods and performing significant event audits.

The purpose of peer review is to enable informed and experienced colleagues to judge the ‘’quality'’ of an audit submission with the help of a relevant tool. Once this process is complete, the reviewers will provide educational advice and guidance on improving or making the audit more effective, where this is deemed necessary.

Two types of clinical audit submission will be possible

1. Criterion Audit project that should have completed the audit cycle; the choice of audit will be the responsibility of the individual submitting the project
2. Significant Event Audit defined as significant because

                         -  It has impacted on the quality or safety of patient care,or

                         -  It is thought to be important in the life or conduct of the practice, or

                         -  It may offer some insight into the care process or systems in the practice

All submitted audits and significant event analyses will be treated in strictest confidence

Please omit any identifiable information (names of individuals, surgeries, hospitals etc.) from significant event analysis reports in order to preserve anonymity

Two trained GP tutors will independently peer review each submission using an appropriate assessment instrument. Both reviewers will provide constructive feedback on any areas of the audit submission they think could be improved, where this is deemed to be necessary. This information is then collated and forwarded to the submitting doctor for their consideration.

Improving the educational understanding of the audit process and supporting colleagues is the main purpose of peer review

Please find below links to help you in completing your audits

ATHENA Educational Peer Review of criterion Audit and Significant Event Analyses - A Guidance Pack for Primary Health Care

ATHENA Peer Review Audit Submission Guidance Pack

ATHENA Peer Review Feedback Instrument  - Significant Event Analysis Report

Significant Event Analysis Standard Report Format

Course Organisers Registration and Assurance Scheme (CORAS)

COST - £175

Please send submissions to CPD Team, GP Department, NIMDTA, Beechill House, 42 Beechill Road, Belfast, BT8 7RL