This programme is designed to raise the quality, safety, and consistency of major elective surgery by examining care across the entire perioperative pathway within NHS services in England and publicly funded care in Jersey. By highlighting variation, strengthening adherence to national standards, and exposing inequalities, it aims to provide the clear, actionable insights needed to improve outcomes and deliver more consistent, equitable perioperative care.
The National Clinical Audit of Perioperative Care offers a vital opportunity to understand and improve the quality, safety and equity of surgical care across the NHS. By reducing unwarranted variation and strengthening evidence‑based practice, the audit will enable the delivery of better perioperative outcomes and experiences for patients.” Prof Malcolm West, Clinical Co-Lead
Supporting improvement
Quality improvement principles are embedded throughout NCAPC. The programme defines its improvement goals through a guideline review and a multidisciplinary modified Delphi consensus that includes patients with lived experiences of perioperative care, and aims to use real‑time dashboards, monthly updates, and annual reports to track progress and support local Quality Improvement action.
