The present study aimed at identifying and analyzing the opinions of auditing experts who work within the context of nursing and systematizing trends regarding the notion, methods and purposes of nursing audits at present and over the next five years. In terms of methodology, the study was structured using the Delphi technique, type of prospective and consensual evaluation of trends, performed by experts on the theme under investigation. Results demonstrated that the current notion of nursing audits focuses on the accounting and financial elements, the financial maintenance of the hospital being kept in mind as well as the controlling activity of trying to identify incorrect hospital bills. In the future, however, the notion of auditing is expected to become associated with evaluating the quality of care, with the involvement of other areas that have an impact on it.
Nursing audit; Economics; Quality of health care