Do we really understand how clinical governance works?

Key Points

• Clinical governance is central to the Government's health care reform policy and is viewed in a positive light by the majority of the profession.

• There is a lack of understanding of how clinical governance will operate, and in particular, the profession appears unaware of its impact outside of the clinical treatment sphere.

• Risk management procedures in dental practice appear very limited and need to be addressed.

• The isolated nature of general dental practice provides a major challenge for successful implementation of clinical governance.

Abstract

Objective

To quantify what dental care providers understand by clinical governance and how it may impact on their activites

Design

A self-completed questionnaire administered to attendees at two postgraduate courses.

Results

A total of 71 forms were completed, a response rate of 88%. The majority of those responding recognised that clinical governance would impact in clinical areas of activity. However, nearly a third felt that any legislation would not affect receptionists or dental surgery assistants. Over 30% of respondents failed to keep records of any mistakes that occurred in their practices, a feature that is central to risk management. While overall the respondents felt that clinical governance would help to raise standards, there was also the fear that it would lead to increased litigation.

Conclusion

There is at present a lack of understanding of clinical governance and how it will impact on the profession. If GDPs are to sustain public and political confidence in their clinical practice the issue of clinical governance must be embraced by the profession.

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