@article{quteprints90885,
          volume = {8},
         journal = {Journal of Foot and Ankle Research},
           title = {Improving the outcomes of foot and ankle surgery. Professional impact of the Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons' audit tool (Conference Abstract)},
           month = {September},
            note = {Australasian Podiatry Conference 2015},
          author = {Rob Hermann and Renata Meuter and Paul Bennett},
            year = {2015},
       publisher = {BioMed Central Ltd.},
          number = {Suppl 2},
           pages = {O18},
             url = {https://eprints.qut.edu.au/90885/},
             doi = {10.1186/1757-1146-8-S2-O18},
        abstract = {{\ensuremath{<}}b{\ensuremath{>}}Background{\ensuremath{<}}/b{\ensuremath{>}}

 - Surgery is an example of expanded practice scope that enhances podiatry and incorporates inter-professional collaboration. By 2050 demand for foot and ankle procedures is predicted to rise nationally by 61.9\%. Performance management of this increase motivated the development of an online audit tool. Developed in collaboration with the {\ensuremath{<}}i{\ensuremath{>}}Australasian College of Podiatric Surgeons (ACPS){\ensuremath{<}}/i{\ensuremath{>}}, the {\ensuremath{<}}i{\ensuremath{>}}ACPS{\ensuremath{<}}/i{\ensuremath{>}} audit tool provides real-time data capture and reporting. It is the first audit tool designed in Australia to support and improve the outcomes of foot and ankle surgery. 

{\ensuremath{<}}b{\ensuremath{>}}Methods{\ensuremath{<}}/b{\ensuremath{>}}

 - Audit activity in general, orthopaedic, plastic and podiatric surgery was examined using a case study design. Audit participation enablers and barriers were explored. Case study results guided a Delphi survey of international experts experienced or associated with foot and ankle surgery. Delphi survey-derived consensus informed modification of a generic data set from the {\ensuremath{<}}i{\ensuremath{>}}Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS){\ensuremath{<}}/i{\ensuremath{>}}. Based on the Delphi survey findings the {\ensuremath{<}}i{\ensuremath{>}}ACPS{\ensuremath{<}}/i{\ensuremath{>}} online audit tool was developed and piloted. Reliability and validity of data entry and usability of this new tool was then assessed with an online survey. 

{\ensuremath{<}}b{\ensuremath{>}}Results{\ensuremath{<}}/b{\ensuremath{>}}

 - The case study found surgeon attitudes and behaviours positively impacted audit participation, and also indicated that audit data should be:

    (1) available in real time, 

    (2) identify practice change, 

    (3) applicable for safety and quality management, and; 

    (4) useful for peer review discussion. 

 - The Delphi process established consensus on audit variables to be captured, including the modified {\ensuremath{<}}i{\ensuremath{>}}RACS{\ensuremath{<}}/i{\ensuremath{>}} generic data set. 382 cases of foot and ankle surgery were captured across 3 months using the new tool. Data entry was found to be valid and reliable. Real-time outcome reporting and practice change identification impacted positively on safety and quality management and assisted peer review discussion. An online survey showed high levels of usability. 

{\ensuremath{<}}b{\ensuremath{>}}Conclusions{\ensuremath{<}}/b{\ensuremath{>}}

 - Surgeon contribution to audit tool development resulted in 100\% audit participation. The data from the {\ensuremath{<}}i{\ensuremath{>}}ACPS{\ensuremath{<}}/i{\ensuremath{>}} audit tool supported the {\ensuremath{<}}i{\ensuremath{>}}ACPS{\ensuremath{<}}/i{\ensuremath{>}} submission to the {\ensuremath{<}}i{\ensuremath{>}}Medical Services Advisory Committee{\ensuremath{<}}/i{\ensuremath{>}} to list podiatric surgery under Medicare, an outcome noted by the Federal Minister of Health.},
        keywords = {podiatry, audit, real time data, outcomes, delphi}
}