Audit as an essential part of summative assessment needs reconsideration

EDITOR,—Over 25 years ago Thorne wrote, “Magpie collection of statistics for no better reason than the accumulation of raw data followed by an aimless feeding of figures into a computer produces nothing of scientific value.”1 The recent critics of some audit activities echo Thorne's statement and express doubts about less than rigorous methods of audit design and analysis.2 3 Where an important subject has been audited and a robust …