RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Quality audits of the implementation of drug administration procedures are carried out in order to determine objectively to what extent implementation conforms to procedures. METHODS: Since September 1997, the pharmacy at Rikshospitalet University Hospital in Norway has performed quality audits of drug administration at the hospital, using interviews and surveys. Staff members in the audited unit and the auditing pharmacist agree on prospects for quality improvements and review possible action. A survey was carried out in the autumn of 2000 in order to determine staff opinion of the quality audits. RESULTS: On the basis of the observations made, improvements have been carried out at all levels of the organisation. INTERPRETATION: The survey indicates that hospital staff members are satisfied with the quality audits performed by the pharmacy.