Date of Award

8-1977

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

First Advisor

John McClusky

Second Advisor

Wilbur L. Thomas

Abstract

The thesis, The Role of a Medical Audit in Assessing the Quality of Health Care at a Community Health Center, by James C. Overton, examines how formalized medical audits improve healthcare delivery in community health settings. It highlights the challenges administrators face in assessing and improving care due to inadequate data and informal evaluation structures. The study hypothesizes that implementing a systematic medical audit procedure enhances the quality of care and provides actionable insights for administrators.

The research focuses on two prevalent chronic conditions, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, assessing pre- and post-intervention care quality. Using criteria-based models, the study evaluates patient records, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and treatment plans. Results from pre-test audits revealed significant deficiencies in documentation, care management, and follow-ups, indicating poor care quality.

After implementing a structured audit system, post-test results demonstrated improvements in several areas, including documentation, interdepartmental communication, and adherence to care standards. Unanticipated outcomes included enhanced collaboration between departments and improved physician performance due to feedback mechanisms.

The study concludes that systematic medical audits are an effective tool for evaluating and improving healthcare quality, particularly in underserved areas. The process fosters accountability, identifies weaknesses, and supports corrective actions, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes and institutional efficiency.

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