Abstract
This paper describes the structure of an audit study together with the two-phase development of an audit tool and methodology. The purpose of the study was to develop a tool that defines and measures best practice in colorectal cancer nursing, and identifies areas for development. The European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) and AstraZeneca collaborated to develop the Nursing in Colorectal Cancer Initiative (NICCI). The initiative was funded through educational grants from AstraZeneca and led by EONS. It is a project with two components, education and audit. The purpose of the project is to provide a sound educational basis for nurses in the elements of colorectal cancer care, together with the tools to evaluate and develop practice. The education phase culminated in an educational manual that provides a core set of materials concerning the fundamental aspects of colorectal cancer, to foster a common understanding amongst nurses nationally and internationally. The education manual provided the referenced rationale for the definition of a set of hallmarks and standards of clinical practice. The audit tool was developed from the hallmarks and standards and is focused on the care of patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. The audit methodology is based on the structure, process outcome triad, together with the TELER™ system of audit. © 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.