[Increasing independence of a resident in training: lessons in disciplinary law]

Objective To explore how the disciplinary board allocates responsibility between the resident in training and the supervisor. Design Case law analysis. Method All published disciplinary judgments containing the term 'resident in training' from January 1, 2010, to April 1, 2020 on www.tuchtrecht.overheid.nl were analyzed. Results 116 law cases involving 128 complaints were examined. The disciplinary boards' considerations could be distinguished into four groups: situational characteristics, the resident's competence, the extent and quality of supervision, and information provision. Conclusion The disciplinary boards allocates responsibility between the resident in training and the supervisor in the context of the specific complaint and situation. It is therefore important that the general rules and regulations regarding supervision of residents are clearly outlined and documented, including their momentary alignment. In addition, the hospital has a general responsibility to inform patients about the implications of training residents while providing healthcare.