Complaints Against Family Physicians Submitted to Disciplinary Tribunals in the Netherlands: Lessons for Patient Safety.

The article describes and examines complaints against family physicians submitted to the disciplinary tribunals in the Netherlands with a view to improving patient safety. The authors emphasize that the disciplinary system in the Netherlands is different from the malpractice system in the U.S. wherein patients can file complaints against family physicians without resorting to lawsuits or insurance claims. They state that the disciplinary system is useful in improving patient safety.