Clinical Governance and Evidence-Based Practices: An Essential Pillar for Safe and Quality Healthcare
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/shp2026365Keywords:
Evidence-Based Practice, Health Administration, Leadership, Nursing, Patient Safety, Quality of Health CareAbstract
Introduction: The increasing complexity of health systems requires evidence-centered models, continuous improvement and professional accountability. The aim is to reflect on the integration between Clinical Governance and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) as essential pillars for safe and quality health care.
Methods: A critical literature review was conducted in May 2025 using the WOS, EBSCO, and Scopus databases, including publications from 2018 to 2024 in Portuguese and English. The reflection was also chosen by the Clinical Governance curricular unit and the authors’ professional experience.
Results: Evidence-Based Practice was characterized as a process combining scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values. Clinical Governance was presented as an ethical and organizational framework promoting safety, efficiency, and transparency. Their integration strengthened care quality, team engagement, and institutional performance. Barriers such as resistance to change and limited scientific literacy were identified. Transformational leadership and shared governance emerged as key facilitators.
Conclusions: The convergence of Clinical Governance and Evidence-Based Practice is essential for translating knowledge into person-centered clinical practice. Promoting ethical leadership, ongoing professional development, and supportive organizational structures is crucial to fostering a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ana Pires, Maria Semedo, Paula Canelas, Simão Vilaça, Solange Silva, Sandy Severino, Luís Sousa (Author)
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