How do you define the term 'clinical governance' in nursing?

Clinical governance is defined as a comprehensive framework that ensures the quality and safety of patient care within healthcare systems. This concept emphasizes the continuous monitoring and improvement of care, promoting accountability among healthcare professionals and organizations. It incorporates various processes and strategies to enhance patient outcomes, ensure standards are met, and involve teams in quality assurance and improvement initiatives.

By focusing on maintaining and improving the quality of patient care, clinical governance not only establishes protocols to address clinical risks but also fosters a culture of safety and excellence. This focus is crucial for healthcare professionals in their roles, as it allows for reflective practices and evidence-based care, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and enhanced service delivery.

The other options presented do not encapsulate the essence of clinical governance. While minimizing risks is a component, it is not the sole focus; therefore, defining clinical governance as a framework to minimize risks only falls short. Maintaining service hours pertains more to operational management than to the quality of patient care. Lastly, viewing clinical governance as unrelated to patient outcomes undermines its core objectives, which are intrinsically tied to enhancing the quality and safety of care provided to patients.