Download the "Start Smart" audit tool for antibiotic prescribing. This tool can be adapted for many audit topics.
Developed by the RCPI Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group
Instructions for completing this audit tool
The audit tool is based on assessing ten patients prescribed empiric antibiotics for each audit cycle. This can be done prospectively (e.g. the first ten patients prescribed antibiotics on a unit/ward, or by my team, this week), or retrospectively (e.g. a random selection of patients prescribed antibiotics on a unit/ward, or by my team, over the previous week). At a minimum data should be collected on documentation of indication and compliance with local guidelines. However, it is helpful to complete at least one audit cycle that includes all of the components (to identify potential areas for improvement).