Clinical Risk Modification : A Route to Clinical Governance?

This book explains clearly how, by taking positive action to modify risk rather than merely to manage it, practical solutions which lead to improved patient outcomes can be demonstrated. It shows how clinical risk modification can create synergy between, risk management, quality of service delivery and the law.

It encourages the establishment of multidisciplinary standards and best practice guidelines through professional self-regulation, lifelong learning and the provision of seamless integrated care. The main themes explored in the book are:
*the importance of effective communication
*concise and accurate documentation
*informed consent
*responding to suggestions and complaints through systems of risk prevention
*demonstrating a controlled environment of care for the best defensibility if things go wrong.

This book is intentionally very practical. It provides an excellent, authoritative resource for clinicians, managers and healthcare training at basic and postgraduate levels.

* Up-to-date, incorporating New NHS Complaints Procedures
* Case studies highlight importance of risk management in everyday practice
* Rooted firmly in research, giving guidance for evidence-based practice

"It would be easy to dismiss this book as just another tome on clinical governance were it not for the distinguished editors: Jo Wilson and John Tingle. Their partnership has created an essential resource book for senior staff.

The first part of the book is a risk manager s dream. There are examples of risk assessments, action plans, clinical risk strategies and risk evaluation. There is also a chapter on clinical risk in primary care.

The highlight of this book is its approach to complaints. These are tackled from the perspective of the patient, carer and the plaintiff s solicitor. The combined effect is to demonstrate the impact of complaints on everyone involved, how necessary it is that steps are taken to prevent similar situations occurring again and how essential it is to deal with complaints responsibly and sensitively.

The chapter on competence in health care is also timely in relation to the current review of professional self regulation.

There is no doubt that this book should be in the desk of every senior manager and ward sister as well as those with responsibility for managing clinical effectiveness and clinical governance structures." Linda Crofts MSc BA DipNEd RNT RGN, Director of Nursing, Research and Development, Nursing Times, August 1999