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Clinical Governance

Unit 2 Lesson 1

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COPYRIGHT

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Student Learning Outcomes

  • Define clinical governance (CG)
  • Explain the benefits of CG
  • Describe the supporting principles of CG
  • Describe the implementation challenges of effective CG
  • Define the key elements of a CG framework

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Clinical Governance

  • Defined by ACSQHC
    • A system through which organizations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services
  • Encompasses all aspects of clinical care
    • Safety
    • Effectiveness
    • Client experience

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Clinical Governance continued…

  • Ensures accountability for safe, effective, integrated, high-quality healthcare
  • Involves everyone from frontline clinicians to managers and governing bodies
  • Aims to address variations in standards and quality of care

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Critical Thinking Question

A nurse manager is tasked with explaining clinical governance to their team.

How would you advise them to describe it in a way that emphasizes its importance to daily nursing practice?

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Benefits of Clinical Governance

  • Improves client outcomes
  • Reduces medical errors and adverse events
  • Ensures consistent quality of care
  • Promotes accountability and transparency
  • Supports continuous improvement in healthcare
  • Enhances client satisfaction and trust in healthcare services

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Benefits of Clinical Governance continued…

  • Improves staff morale and job satisfaction
  • Reduces healthcare costs by minimizing errors and inefficiencies
  • Facilitates evidence-based practice and decision-making

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Critical Thinking Question

What is considered a primary benefit of effective clinical governance?

a) Improved client outcomes

b) Increased staff satisfaction

c) Enhanced organizational reputation

d) Streamlined administrative processes

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Supporting Principles of Clinical Governance

  • Clear vision and values
  • Defined organizational and committee structures
  • Cultural and professional safety
  • Effective recruitment and retention strategies
  • Comprehensive induction and orientation programs
  • Regular performance reviews and goal setting

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Supporting Principles of Clinical Governance continued…

  • Mandatory training and clinical competency frameworks
  • Open communication and transparency
  • Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
  • Effective risk management strategies
  • Strong leadership and management support

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Critical Thinking Question

A hospital is struggling with implementing its clinical governance framework. Staff members are resistant to change and unclear about their roles in the process.

What supporting principles of clinical governance might be missing, and how could they be implemented to improve the situation?

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Challenges to Clinical Governance Implementation

  • Lack of understanding of the concept
  • Unclear organizational expectations and outcomes
  • Insufficient infrastructure to support the vision
  • Inadequate staffing or expertise
  • Budget constraints
  • Lack of proper tools and time

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Challenges of Clinical Governance Implementation continued…

  • Issues with accountability
  • Hierarchical conflicts
  • Resistance to change from staff
  • Difficulty in measuring and demonstrating improvements
  • Balancing standardization with the need for individualized care
  • Maintaining momentum and sustained commitment over time

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Critical Thinking Question

Which of the following is often cited as the most significant challenge in implementing effective clinical governance?

a) Lack of financial resources

b) Resistance to change from staff

c) Inadequate technology infrastructure

d) Insufficient client involvement

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Key Elements of a Clinical Governance Framework

  1. Partnering with consumers (central focus)
  2. Involving clients and families in care decisions
  3. Gathering and acting on client feedback

2. Governance, leadership, and culture

  • Clear organizational structure and responsibilities
  • Fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Key Elements of a Clinical Governance Framework continued…

3. Client safety and quality improvement systems

  • Incident reporting and management
  • Regular audits and quality improvement initiatives

4. Clinical performance and effectiveness

  • Monitoring clinical outcomes
  • Implementing evidence-based practices

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Key Elements of a Clinical Governance Framework continued

5. Safe environment for the delivery of care

  • Risk management strategies
  • Ensuring appropriate staffing and resources

(Lloyd et al., 2023.)

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Critical Thinking Question

A community health center is developing its clinical governance framework. They've included sections on risk management and policy development but are unsure what other elements are crucial.

What other key elements would you recommend they include, and why are these important for comprehensive clinical governance?

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References

Lloyd, S., Olley, R., Milligan, E., Aish, K., Barnes, A., Craig, J., Evans, J., ferrier, J.a., Khalil, H., Lakhani, A., Long, K., Murray, M., Sequeira, A.R. & Mackenzie-Stewart, R. (2023). Leading in Health and Social Care. Griffith University; Pressbooks. https://oercollective.caul.edu.au/leading-in-health-and-social-care/

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© 2013-2024 Nurses International (NI).

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