[An integrated quality policy for and by (cattle) veterinarians: 2. A comparison with the quality policy of family physicians].

The core of the integrated quality control policy of Dutch general practitioners is the development of treatment guidelines. These guidelines are the basis for assessing interventions and for improving quality. General practitioners took the initiative to prepare these guidelines without there being external pressure on them to do so. The quality control policy strengthens the position of this professional group by diminishing differences in therapeutic approach. The procedures followed for establishing guidelines, such as those for human medicine, are described and may be of use to veterinarians.