[Being a patient--patients' view on the quality of treatment]

The technical quality of medical treatment in Norway is generally high, whereas the functional quality of the same medical treatment varies considerably. This becomes quite apparent from complaints from patients on treatment and care. Patients expect health care services to be of consistently high quality. They increasingly expect good quality medical treatment, just like they, as consumers, expect quality goods and services elsewhere in society. Realization of the Norwegian Medical Association's resolution on medical quality assurance is an important measure, both in assuring and improving the overall quality of the care and treatment of patients.