We undertake regular audits of our procedures and protocols to monitor our service to our patients. On a regular basis, we consider:
Inputs
- Number of patients treated.
- Number of patients treated by specific groups.
Outcomes
- Oral health achievements as a direct result of our intervention.
Effectiveness
- Patient views of effectiveness in improving their oral health.
- Patient satisfaction levels.
Efficiency
- Patient retention rate.
- Referrals to other healthcare professionals for advice and/or treatment.
- Quality of data collection.
Quantitative data
On a monthly basis, we record the following:
- Total number of patients seen
- New patients seen
- Failed appointments (and unused time)
- Patient safety incidents and the outcome of investigations
- Positive feedback and compliments
- Complaints and negative comments.
Qualitative data
We record the following qualitative data:
- Results of patient and service audits and improvements
- Complaint trends and actions taken to improve the service
- Waiting times and evidence of demand management
- Staffing and staff turnover
- CPD activity on individual and practice-wide basis
- Case mix of clinical presentation and procedure outcome
- Results of annual patient satisfaction survey on a sample number of patients