Before conducting a safety audit in an emergency department, what is the first item needed?

The first item needed before conducting a safety audit in an emergency department is a written set of safety standards. These standards provide a framework for evaluating current practices and identifying areas for improvement. They articulate the expectations for safety and quality within the department, ensuring that the audit process is aligned with established guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Having a clear set of safety standards is essential, as they guide the audit team in their assessments. This includes ensuring compliance with relevant laws, organizational policies, and best practices in patient safety. These standards serve as the benchmarks against which the department's operations will be measured, facilitating a structured and consistent approach to the audit.

In contrast, while other items such as employee attendance records, department maps, and statistics on adverse events can contribute valuable insights during the audit, they are secondary to the foundational safety standards. Attendance records may provide context regarding staffing levels, a map of the department may help in understanding layout and flow, and statistics on adverse events can highlight existing issues. However, without the written safety standards, there would be no clear criteria for assessing how well the department meets its safety obligations.