Audit contributions to the quality of care in health services

Introduction: The process of auditing health services is closely associated with qualitative and quantitative factors. The function of the audit in health implies in administrative and assistential actions guided by quality methods of evaluation of health services indicators, allowing the health professional to be responsible and to have a wide perception of the assistance provided to the patient, without forgetting the fundamental principles of health and management procedures. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on the main contributions of auditing to the quality of care in health services. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review study, carried out in the MEDLINE, LILACS and Scielo databases. Free scientific articles available in full published between the period January 2015 to May 2020, in English, Portuguese and Spanish languages were included. Results: The main contributions of auditing in healthcare services are to measure the quality standards established in healthcare units; to provide a more effective relationship between managers, employees, and users; and to promote sustainable growth in the financial sphere. Conclusion: It can be concluded that auditing in hospitals contributes directly to changes in aspects related to quality with an administrative and financial perception, focusing on institutional growth and development.