Maximising the value of clinical registry information through integration with a health service clinical governance framework: a case study

Abstract

This initiative sought to identify unit participation in clinical registries within a large metropolitan health service and to develop approaches to integration of registry reporting within the organisational clinical governance framework to maximise potential quality improvement benefits. The initiative, led by the Medical Services Department at Alfred Health, initially involved identifying health service participation in clinical registries via a range of mechanisms, including one-on-one meetings with clinical registry investigators. In conjunction with the Clinical Governance Unit, tools to summarise and track clinical registry information at Alfred Health over time were developed and piloted. Alfred Health identified 69 clinical registries in which its units participated. These were heterogeneous in terms of clinical area and purpose, as well as the nature and frequency of reporting. Engagement with clinicians led to the establishment of a registry interest group, a calendar of clinical quality registry reports, and a guideline and reporting template and dashboard. Clinician engagement and medical leadership were critical to the development of this initiative. The reporting tool and dashboard have had initial success, with long-term success ultimately being measured by the routine incorporation of registry outcomes into clinical governance reporting over time.