Governance & Management
The term Governance by definition refers to the act of governing, or the authority to rule and control. Through common usage it has taken on multiple meanings. Clinical governance also serves many purposes. Clinical governance is a framework through which organisations are accountable for continuous improvement. Generally it encompasses the processes and systems employed to manage the outputs and outcomes of the service agency. Within the health sector focus has been on safety, effectiveness, appropriateness, access, efficiency and acceptability of care from the consumers perspective. The following sections aim to provide divisions and the stakeholder with whom they work with literature outlining the core principles of governance, tools needed to establish a solid governance structure and models of governance.
Good governance will ensure that clients and their families are treated appropriately. It will also ensure that the full range of resources that are employed for the project will be applied to their best effect. Good governance should also be the foundations of effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.
Change management has been described as a future state to be realised, a current state to be left behind and some structured, organised process or transition for getting from one to the other.
Different organisations require varying goverance models to meet their individual needs. When an appropriate governance model is adapted to a specific project it should improve effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.
Photo courtesy of Mid North Coast (NSW) Division of General Practice,
Rural Palliative Care Project 2006
Residents at the Woolgoolga Retirement Village
