RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Effective audit in general practice: a method for systematically developing audit protocols containing evidence-based review criteria. JF British Journal of General Practice JO Br J Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP 743 OP 746 VO 47 IS 424 A1 R C Fraser A1 K Khunti A1 R Baker A1 M Lakhani YR 1997 UL http://bjgp.org/content/47/424/743.abstract AB Though many general practitioners (GPs) now take part in audit, there is still concern about the extent to which participation in audit leads to improvements in practice. Improved methods are needed for the incorporation of research evidence into criteria for use in audit. In this paper, a six-stage systematic method is described for developing audit protocols containing prioritized evidence-based criteria. The stages are: selection of a topic, identification of key elements of care, focused literature reviews, prioritization of the criteria on the strength of the evidence and impact on outcome, preparation of full documentation, and peer review.