ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to develop an understanding of the role of clinical governance in delivering quality in healthcare services. It also explores risk management, clinical audit, evidence-based practice and some of the NHS quality initiatives. In essence, clinical governance is the method by which a systemic approach to the maintenance and improvement of a quality service and patient care is managed. Clinical governance requires change and innovation at three levels: by individual healthcare professionals; by teams; and by organisations. A framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for continually improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish. The NHS Benchmarking Network was established in 1996 in order that NHS organisations could contribute to a structure which would enable them to share best practice and to learn from each other.
