Public indicators for quality of curative care. The state of the debate

The ‘visibility’ of health care quality is considered crucial within the Dutch health care system. Publication of quality indicators – measurable aspects of care that are considered likely to give an indication of the quality of care – are generally considered the appropriate way to realise visibility of care quality. In 2006, the Health Council and the Council for Public Health and Health Care (RVZ) examined the issue in a report published by their joint Centre for Ethics and Health. The report that lies before you looks back on said report, briefly describes the developments since, summarises the current state of the debate and shows how further progress can be achieved.