Clinical Governance-a system through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and for safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence will flourish.
Clinical Risk Management- The reduction of harm to patients and staff, by identifying and, as far as possible, eliminating risk.
Clinical Audit- The systematic, critical analysis of the quality of health care including the procedures used for diagnosis and treatment, the use of resources, and the resulting outcomes for the patient.
N.B. Medical audit is doctors only, clinical audit includes other healthcare professionals.
Evidence-based Medicine- the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.
Revalidation- A process of assessment to ensure the register provides an up-to-date statement of each doctor’s fitness to practice.
Clinical Policy- A document obliging you to follow a course of action
Clinical Guideline- A document suggesting following a course of action but is open to changes depending on individual circumstances
Integrated Care Pathway- Multi-disciplinary method of mapping the course of a patient through a correct course of treatment, including correct management decisions should a patient deviate from the ideal course of treatment. | 
