Medical audit is currently the subject of much discussion, but the breadth and intensity of the debate should not obscure the idea of medical audit as ‘basically a process of self-education’ (Shaw, 1980a). The requirements for audit have been summarized as information, resources and willingness to participate (Shaw, 1980b). I have attempted to devise a simple scheme for self-audit in a general psychiatric setting. The acquisition of appropriate information within the resources of ordinary clinical practice was my aim.