[Monitoring the quality of obstetric care]

The aim of this study was to analyse some aspects and methods use to evaluate the quality of obstetric care, and their implementation into obstetric practice. Assurance of proper quality of services in obstetrics becomes today a key -problem in Poland. The article describes the evaluation of structures, processes, and results as methods of quality assurance and control. Authors suggest that special attention should by paid to correct leader- ship, medical records analysis and later formulating constructive conclusions and quality improvement. Audit and quality improvement at the national level seems to be very important. Monitoring of quality is not only necessary, but also continuous management and improvement. It is also necessary to remember that the process of quality improvement once begun should be continued.