[Quality assurance for rational diagnosis and therapy in dermatology]

Today quality is not only in the economy but also in medicine a prime parameter in the evaluation of goods and services. To guarantee quality in a comprehensive way not only quality control but also quality assurance or even quality management are needed. One has to focus on its integral aspects which are structure, process and result. With laboratory analysis a preanalytic phase has to be distinguished from an analytic and a postanalytic one. According to the notion of the Deutscher Arztetag quality assurance is a common task of all physicians. A variety of organisations provide support. Guidelines of various types are pivotal. Some concerning dermatology have already been released by Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft; others are in the process of formulation. A comprehensive monograph is under way.