b. Chart Selection

The systematic random sampling technique will provide the best representative sample for audit. This is done in the following fashion: Suppose you need to select 69 charts from a registry list of 1000 patients. First, divide 1000 by 69, which yields the number 14.4. You now know that you must select one chart out of fourteen. 

However, don't automatically start with the first person. Use any method of random chance to determine which one of the first 14 people on the list should be selected. Use your imagination .... Number 14 pieces of paper with 1 through 14 and have someone draw one, or simply ask someone to pick a number between 1 and 14. Then use that number to select your first name for chart audit. 

Proceed through the entire list, selecting every 14th person on the list. Please note that it is important to track down the charts which are missing from Medical Records as these are likely to belong to patients who have been seen recently and have high compliance with the Standards of Care.