[The tracer concept of quality assurance in the hospital--a critical evaluation].

The "tracer concept", on which the introduction of quality assurance measures in Germany according to section 137 GRG is based, are critically confronted with the general test philosophy. It is shown that this tracer methodology does not come up to expectations and should be abandoned. Development and introduction of indicators are recommended that would be more appropriate to attain the target of quality assurance: quality improvement.