Common Misconceptions About Clinical Governance

Myth vs Reality A quick look at the biggest misconceptions about clinical governance. Learn why strong governance systems are essential for safe, high-quality care, why experience alone can’t replace evidence-based practice, and how clear standards, accountability, and continuous improvement lead to safer services and better outcomes.

Myth	The Truth / Evidence	Explanation
Clinical governance is only about filling in paperwork.	The policy mandates integrated quality improvement activities and evidence-based practice, not mere form-filling (NICE QS1).	Forms support data capture for real-time improvement; the focus is on outcomes, not administrative burden.
Only senior managers are responsible for clinical governance.	Accountability spans all staff levels, from front-line clinicians to executives (NHS England CG Guidance).	Everyone contributes to safety checks, incident reporting, and best-practice sharing—governance is a collective duty.
Clinical governance is a blame culture.	The policy promotes a no-blame, learning culture (Health and Social Care Act principles).	Incidents are analyzed for system improvements, not individual punishment, fostering open reporting.
It’s separate from everyday clinical work.	Governance principles are embedded in daily routines ward rounds, MDT meetings, audit cycles (CQC standards).	Continuous improvement happens during routine care delivery, not as an extra task.
Governance stifles clinical autonomy and innovation.	Policy encourages evidence-based innovation and supports pilot projects (NHS Innovation Accelerator).	Structured governance ensures safe testing and scale-up of new practices.
Quality assurance and quality improvement are the same thing.	QA checks adherence to standards; QI uses data to refine processes over time (Institute for Healthcare Improvement).	Both functions work together: QA identifies gaps; QI drives change.
Patient involvement is optional.	The policy requires patient engagement in service design and feedback mechanisms (NHS Patient Engagement Framework).	Co-production ensures services meet real patient needs and improves satisfaction.