[Quality assurance in clinical medicine--from theory to practice]

So far, in Norway, quality assurance methodology has been applied mainly within medical technology, and it is now high time to involve clinical medicine. In order to develop quality assurance as a continuous process in clinical departments there is a need for clinical data programmes. Moreover, leaders of health institutions and departments must make available the necessary funds. Greater efforts must be made to develop quality standards and indicators. Clinicians need to improve their knowledge of quality assurance methods, and develop guidelines for practice, different methods of consensus, medical audits and quality circles. It is proposed that education in quality assurance be included in postgraduate training programmes.