[What do we mean by the quality of health care?]

Quality is one of the main features of advanced health care. It is a comprehensive concept which comprises specialized technological, interpersonal and economic properties of the structure, process and results of provided care. The tool for improving the quality is assessment of defined realistic targets and systematic monitoring of the quality from all aspects. The prerequisite for quality assessment is a clear definition of quality criteria and definition of the desirable standards of care. Accreditation of health institutions is a suitable method for assessing in a more objective way the quality of health care. Obtaining accreditation should imply that the institution works consistently with defined standards and manifests a systematic effort to improve provided care and services. The optimal position is achieved if accreditation becomes a system of eligible dynamic assessment.