Accountability or responsibility? The challenge of policies in clinical psychiatry.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this paper is to describe some of the differences between personal and administrative approaches to clinical risk management by reflecting on some recent experiences in policy development.


CONCLUSIONS
Administrative preoccupation with policy development and political accountability may detract from professional development and personal responsibility.
Dignam
Paul
P
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Elizabeth, SA, Australia. Dignam.paul@saugov.sa.gov.au
D001315:Australia; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management; D012941:Social Responsibility