Quality assurance in an ear, nose and throat department in Saudi Arabia. A surgical audit

Abstract

Quality assurance (QA) in health care is being introduced in developing countries also. However, QA still meets resistance from some clinicians. A prospective voluntary surgical audit was set up in the ENT department of a university teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia. Roles, responsibilities and objectives were defined and designated facilities were provided.There were 2125 admissions and 2389 operations in a 3-yr period. The stated objectives were achieved concerning resource management, post-graduate training, and, especially, the successful establishment of surgical audit as an on-going and open-forum activity in a developing country. We conclude that other clinicians can feel encouraged by our positive experience and implement QA. © 1995 Elsevier Science Ltd.