As Australia’s community pharmacy sector continues to expand its scope into service delivery such as vaccinations, prescribing, and treatment of chronic conditions, clinical governance has never been more important. But what exactly is clinical governance, and why should pharmacy students care?
Governance in a healthcare organisation refers to the framework of rules, relationships, systems, and processes used to direct and manage the organisation. It ensures that the organisation is accountable, transparent, and operating safely, ethically, and effectively to deliver high-quality care. Clinical governance intersects with other governance areas in a healthcare organisation, such as financial and risk governance, to create a robust framework for accountability and continuous improvement. At its core, clinical governance is about doing the right thing for every patient, every time.
In community pharmacy, that means ensuring services -- from a quick counter chat to dispensing or clinical advice -- are safe, evidence-based, and truly patient-centred. It also means being part of a work culture that’s committed to learning, accountability, and continuous improvement. While pharmacy owners hold overall accountability, every team member plays a part in creating that culture- including you, as a student.
Take pharmacist-administered vaccines, for example. Without clear protocols, proper training, and systems for incident reporting, reflection and patient feedback, this service could carry risks. But with strong clinical governance, it’s become a trusted and routine part of care.
Clinical governance also supports the ongoing commitment pharmacies make to patient-centred care. When a pharmacist delivers a medication review, for instance, good governance ensures the advice is not only clinically appropriate but also tailored to the patient’s health goals and circumstances.
Understanding clinical governance isn’t just about passing exams- it’s about shaping the kind of pharmacist you want to be. It helps you deliver care that’s not only safe and high-quality, but also personal, thoughtful, and grounded in trust.
So next time you’re on placement, ask yourself: how does this pharmacy make sure the care they give is consistently safe and effective? Understanding and upholding clinical governance could be what sets you apart, drives your career forward, and makes a real difference in your patients’ lives.
