QUALITY ASSURANCE IN ANESTHESIA - BETWEEN ACCEPTANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION

Within the framework of quality assurance measures, the intra-operativ e incidents, events and complications were recorded and patient satisf action determined. The results obtained were examined for their transl atability to the daily practical situation. They led to the recognitio n and correction of major problem areas, and thus to an improvement in the quality of patient care. In addition, these data were compared wi th those of the DGAI/DKI. The main thrust of our own investigations wa s the determination of the acceptance of quality assurance measures. T he results found make it clear that quality assurance generates anxiet y (,,quality assurance is a form of control'') which can be eliminated only by means of the provision of specific information. Quality assur ance, achieved by selective data acquisition, data analysis and the id entification of problems represents an appreciable advance in the area of clinical routine.