ABSTRACT
Managing risks requires the development of clinical governance action plans, developing or adopting standards and audit tools, and agreeing an annual programme of risk assessments and clinical audit. The health professionals need good communication techniques as well as a good understanding of how to encourage patients to listen to, and act on, key health promotion messages. The common areas of risk in general practice are: out-of-date clinical practice, lack of continuity of care and planning, poor communication, mistakes, patient complaints, financial risk: insufficient resources, reputation of practitioner and practice, staff morale and wellbeing and disorganisation. One reason for out-of-date clinical practice is that clinicians and managers are unaware of the latest research evidence or are reluctant to apply it. Boundaries between and within primary and secondary care sectors can prevent effective teamwork, creating risks for the patient from poorly coordinated care or inconsistent clinical management.
