Clinical Governance in Primary Care

Abstract

This is an up to the minute book on a relevant subject for community nurses. It is well referenced, clearly set out and incorporates headings, boxes and diagrams. The authors set out to examine some of the facets of clinical governance such as quality, accountability, transparency and continuous improvement. After explaining the meaning of clinical governance and placing it squarely within primary care groups and trusts, aspects such as humane care, clinical effectiveness, risk management and personal and professional development are outlined. The book concludes with a critique of possible future developments. Whilst the authors acknowledge that the implications of clinical governance apply equally to all members of the primary care team, this is not borne out in the text, which appears to have been written almost exclusively for general practitioners. In the entire book, only five pages refer to issues relating to nurse members of the primary care team. Although this text would make a useful addition to nursing libraries, it is not one that individual nurses are likely to purchase. They could suggest, however, that each of their GP colleagues buys a copy, as the book contains many useful guidelines for continuously improving the quality of medical services.