What statement best contrasts a process audit with an outcomes audit?

What statement best contrasts a process audit with an outcomes audit?

• A. They are the same
• B. Process audits look at results; outcomes audits look at delivery methods
• C. Process audits examine delivery methods; outcomes audits examine results
• D. Process audits are only for software

Answer: (C)

Audits distinguish between how care is delivered and what care achieves. A process audit focuses on delivery methods—the steps, procedures, workflows, and documentation used to provide services. It asks, are we doing the right things in the right way? An outcomes audit focuses on results—the actual client outcomes, improvements, safety, and satisfaction. It asks, are the services producing the intended changes for clients? For example, reviewing whether services are scheduled, staffed, and documented correctly is a process audit; evaluating whether clients show improved health or functioning is an outcomes audit. The statement that process audits examine delivery methods and outcomes audits examine results reflects this fundamental distinction.

Audits distinguish between how care is delivered and what care achieves. A process audit focuses on delivery methods—the steps, procedures, workflows, and documentation used to provide services. It asks, are we doing the right things in the right way? An outcomes audit focuses on results—the actual client outcomes, improvements, safety, and satisfaction. It asks, are the services producing the intended changes for clients? For example, reviewing whether services are scheduled, staffed, and documented correctly is a process audit; evaluating whether clients show improved health or functioning is an outcomes audit. The statement that process audits examine delivery methods and outcomes audits examine results reflects this fundamental distinction.