What does "clinical governance" refer to in inpatient care?

The concept of "clinical governance" in inpatient care refers to a systematic approach to maintaining and improving the quality of patient care. This encompasses various activities and processes that healthcare institutions employ to ensure that high standards are upheld and that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based treatments. Clinical governance includes quality assurance, risk management, and clinical audit practices, all aimed at enhancing health outcomes and healthcare services.

By focusing on continuous improvement, clinical governance ensures that healthcare teams are accountable for the care they provide, fostering a culture of safety and excellence. This systemic approach is vital in inpatient settings where complex patient needs and high-stakes interventions require meticulous oversight and quality control measures.

The other choices do not encapsulate the essence of clinical governance: managing financial resources relates to healthcare administration but does not directly address patient care quality; discharge procedures are one component of patient management but do not cover the breadth of quality improvement; guidelines for physical therapy are specific and do not reflect the overall framework of care delivery and improvement that clinical governance represents.