On the pursuit of clinical excellence
Clinical Governance: An International Journal
ISSN: 1477-7274
Article publication date: 23 January 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to offer a pragmatic definition of clinical excellence.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a conceptual review of key studies relating to clinical excellence.
Findings
The pursuit of clinical excellence can be profitably considered in terms of 15 pillars of excellence comprising “technical” pillars, “personal” pillars, and “future” pillars. The five technical pillars are: evidence‐based thinking and practice; professional and peer accreditation; decision support systems; effectiveness and efficiency; learning and risk management. The five personal pillars comprise: interpersonal skills; collaboration and leadership; resilience and stress management; user involvement; moral principles. The five future pillars consist of: policy and succession planning; teaching and training; innovation; research and publications; income‐resource generation.
Originality/value
These 15 pillars of excellence may serve as an aide‐memoire for clinicians in their professional practice, as a pragmatic framework for both individual and organizational appraisal, accreditation, revalidation and reward systems, and as a teaching tool for a range of health‐care professionals.
Keywords
Citation
Kapur, N. (2009), "On the pursuit of clinical excellence", Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 24-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777270910933442
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited