ABSTRACT
In the last decade, and especially in the 1990s, the quality of personal services has gained increased attention. Old-age care is a typical example. In this sector, quality management, quality assessments, quality assurance, etc., have been widespread during the last few decades in the USA, and in the 1990s they have gained increased attention in Europe, too. 1 Journals on “quality” are being published, and “quality” is the headline of numerous working groups in all parts of the care system. The efforts to improve the quality of services are many and varied. In the Scandinavian countries, so-called ISO standards on quality in nursing homes have been applied, quality awards have been implemented, quality circles have been formed, and quality committees have been set up.
