[Quality assurance of medical education--a prerequisite for good medical practice]

Assured quality of medical education is a prerequisite for high quality medicine. Quality assurance of medical education implies a well-planned assessment of the structure, process and outcome of education based on defined standards and objectives, and draws heavily on a thorough knowledge of how people learn. Learning in medicine shares common features at all levels, from undergraduate to continuing education. Three core elements are the context of learning, availability of information, and opportunities for elaboration (educational counselling, mentorship, interaction with peers) as a basis for linking practice and theory. A quality assurance programme must examine all these factors and suggest remedies when appropriate. The upgrading of educational research in medicine, and valuing and recognition of teaching within the profession, are important factors in promoting continuous improvement of the quality of medical education.