Harmonisation of allergological practice: practice audit

Allergological practice suffers from insufficient recognition and identity. A consensual analysis has been conducted for several months by a group of physicians working in the field of allergology. A preliminary study (ANAICE), conducted by allergologists, belonging to harmonisation commissions, demonstrated very different attitudes between allergologists from different faculties and working in different towns. A meeting with ANAES experts showed that. Medical Audit could be used in the private allergology community in order to improve the quality of care. Practice audit is a method of evaluation based on defined criteria, which compares a given physician's practice with accepted references in order to Improve quality of medical practice and care given to patients. A preliminary trial audit was conducted among members of the ANAFORCAL. Almost 500 physicians replied, therefore constituting a large group of motivated physicians wishing to evaluate their practice. In order to be successful, the audit of allergological practices requires physicians trained in this rigorous methodology and concerned with the recognition and identity of allergology.