What type of audit may be conducted when clinical decision-making is questioned?

A peer review audit is specifically designed to examine and assess the clinical decision-making processes of healthcare providers. This type of audit typically involves independent evaluation by colleagues within the same field or specialty. The purpose of a peer review audit is to ensure that the clinical decisions made by a provider adhere to established standards and guidelines and are justified based on the clinical circumstances presented. It allows for a constructive critique and can identify areas for improvement in clinical practice.

Peer review audits are crucial when clinical decision-making is called into question, as they bring a level of scrutiny from other professionals who understand the complexities involved in patient care. The feedback from such reviews can help enhance clinical practices and ensure high-quality patient care, thus addressing concerns related to clinical decision-making effectively.

In contrast, other types of audits serve different purposes; for example, internal compliance audits focus on adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies rather than directly evaluating clinical decisions. Operational audits assess the efficiency of operations within a department or organization but do not specifically target clinical decision-making. Clinical pathway audits are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of specific treatment pathways rather than individual clinical judgments. Hence, the peer review audit stands out as the most appropriate choice for addressing concerns regarding clinical decision-making.