Differences between Research and Clinical Audit

The main difference between Research and Audit is that the Research question is "Are we working to the best practice/standards?", whereas the Audit question is "Are we carrying out our work to the laid down standards?".
Research is a systematic investigation which aims to generate new knowledge - it may be qualitative or quantitative in approach.
Audit is a peer review of health care to check on/ improve services.
Research may involve an experimental approach, but Clinical Audit never involves an experimental approach.
Research May involve a new treatment, but Clinical Audit never involves a new treatment.
Research May involve specially arranged interviews, focus groups, interventions, clinical assessments or postal communications, Clinical Audit does not involve any of these processes.
Research is usually generisable and involves strict selection criteria for participant recruitment,Clinical Audit is not generisable and does not involve strict selection criteria.
Research is often carried out by those outside of the local service, whereas Clinical Audit is usually conducted by those providing the service.