Optimising clinical governance and risk management in resource-limited hospitals: A family medicine model

Abstract

In resource-constrained healthcare settings, clinical governance and risk management are critical to improving patient outcomes and efficiently using limited resources. This article describes an innovative strategy implemented at a South African district hospital led by family physicians to optimise admissions and care prioritisation. The protocol established a designated high-care unit and admissions ward, ensuring that all new admissions were seen by a family physician, allowing family physicians to focus on the sickest patients requiring immediate intervention. This structured approach improved clinical oversight, reduced medical errors, and decreased morbidity and mortality. By efficiently allocating the expertise of family physicians, the intervention demonstrated measurable improvements in care delivery and patient safety. This model highlights the leadership role of family physicians in clinical governance and presents a scalable solution for similar resource-limited healthcare settings.