[Uncertainty in medical decision-making]

Disciplinary law originally intends to promote quality in individual health care. One could argue on the basis of empirical data that the current practice of medical disciplinary law does not demonstrably contribute to 'defensive medicine', a putative adverse effect of this form of jurisdiction. However, the practice and perception of disciplinary law should demonstrate that the possible other side effects (e.g. time consuming, emotionally distressful, impeding transparency to patients and colleagues, increasing the burden of uncertainty in medicine) of this form of case law dwarfs the yield: this postulated quality improvement. The words 'discipline' and 'law' are in themselves barriers in catalyzing an open attitude towards discussing suboptimal processes in health care with both patients and colleagues. Further reflection on the scope of practice and the perception of disciplinary law is necessary in order to further shape a cultural shift towards such an attitude and an dialogue. We have to move from the disciplinary law to a learning portal.