What is meant by 'clinical governance'?

The concept of 'clinical governance' primarily refers to a systematic approach to maintaining and improving the quality of patient care within a health care system. It involves a framework that ensures accountability for the quality of services provided, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safeguarding patient safety. This is achieved through various means, including clinical audits, compliance with standards, and ensuring that health care professionals are appropriately trained and qualified.

The focus on organizational accountability in service quality encompasses not only the adherence to clinical standards but also the processes and outcomes of care delivery. This ensures that health care organizations are responsible for their activities and that there are mechanisms in place to address any issues related to patient care.

In contrast, other options such as managing finances, reducing training requirements, or cutting costs do not encapsulate the essence of clinical governance, which is fundamentally about enhancing quality and safety in health care delivery. These areas may be important for operational efficiency, but they do not address the core objective of protecting and improving patient care quality, which stands central to the philosophy of clinical governance.