Medical care in developing countries. Assessment and assurance of quality

In recent years attention in developing countries has concentrated upon strategies to improve the equitable provision of essential health care--the primary health care approach. Very little work has been reported in connection with the quality of medical care, and yet for the successful outcome of care it is necessary that adequate health care processes be carried out. Conceptual, methodological, data, and organizational issues related to quality assessment and assurance are presented. The few examples of reported work concerned with these important aspects of medical care in developing countries are reviewed. Suggestions are made as to how measures to ensure reasonable quality might be further developed and refined.