Research in primary care complementary and alternative medicine provision: an integral part of NHS clinical governance activity

Abstract

The 1997 UK government white paper "The New NHS: Modern, Dependable", introduced a legal requirement for the NHS to provide accountable and quality assured services. Clinical governance was described by Scally and Donaldson (1998) as the "...system through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish." An organisational culture that "...creates a working environment which is open and participative, where ideas and good practice are shared, where education and research are valued...is likely to be one where clinical governance thrives."