Annals of emergency medicine
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We present a method for a microcomputer-assisted emergency department daily chart audit using a spreadsheet format. Computer technology allows the extraction of a large amount of information from audit data with a minimum of clerical time. The software automatically tabulates, sorts, and updates audit data, and depicts physician performance in a quantitative manner. ⋯ The spreadsheet model is flexible, and can be adapted to the needs of various emergency departments or quality assurance activities. The audit has a rapid turnaround time, with charts audited and returned to physicians for feedback within 24 hours of the patient being discharged. Individual physician confidentiality is maintained throughout.