Clinical governance

Question 1

Define clinical governance

Answer 1

A framework through which NHS organisations are accountable
for continuously improving the quality of their services
and safeguarding high standards of care
by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish

Question 2

Why is clinical governance important?

Answer 2

Clinical governance is Quality assurance for the NHS:

Clinical governance to improve standard to patient-centred care

Question 3

What are the 7 pillars of clinical governance?

Answer 3

1) Patient + public involvement
2) Clinical audit
3) Risk management
4) Clinical effectiveness
5) staff & staff management
6) Use of information
7) Premises standards

Question 4

The second pillar is CLINICAL AUDIT

Define clinical audit

Answer 4

The process of improving patient care by looking at what you are doing, learning from it and if necessary, changing practise

Question 5

The third pillar is RISK MANAGEMENT.
Risk management ensures:
1) Stock integrity

2) Equipment maintenance
3) Appropriate waste disposal arrangements

Name a few ways these can be maintained

Answer 5

1) Stock integrity
- stock expiry checked every 3 months
- Reputable suppliers + suitable premises for med storage
2) Equipment maintenance
- Fridge temp, thermometer calibration
- bp/cholesterol monitor recalibration
3) Appropriate waste disposal arrangements
- Patient returned waste procedures
- Clinical waste, sharps, needle stick injury
- Confidential waste- shredders

Question 6

Risk management: what is a standard operating procedure?

Answer 6

detailed document outlining the route method of operation/service/analysis/action- (what we do and how we do it)

Question 7

The fourth pillar is CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS.

What does clinical effectiveness ensure?

Answer 7

• ensures appropriate advice is given by pharmacist in respect to repeatable presciptions or to people caring for themselves or their families