What type of audit is conducted by an external organization such as The Joint Commission?

An external audit is conducted by an independent organization, such as The Joint Commission, to assess a healthcare organization's compliance with established standards and regulations. These audits are critical for ensuring that healthcare facilities meet the required quality and safety benchmarks necessary for accreditation and licensure.

External auditors typically have no vested interest in the organization being audited, which allows them to provide an objective evaluation of the facility’s policies, procedures, and adherence to regulations. The goals of external audits include validating the effectiveness of internal controls, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring compliance with legal and industry standards.

In contrast, an internal audit is performed by employees of the organization to evaluate and improve internal processes. A complex review usually involves a detailed analysis of clinical data to assess specific aspects of care, and a casefinding review is typically conducted to identify potential cases or conditions for further study or investigation. None of these processes provide the external validation that an external audit does, making the latter the appropriate choice in this context.