The New York Times Health blog has an interesting post about the ethics of doctors accepting gifts from their patients. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/21/when-your-doctor-is-on-the-gift-list/. It is, or course, the holiday season, and many patients may want to give their physician a gift to show their appreciation. Small. homemade or food gifts rarely raise ethical dilemmas, but what about more extravagant gifts? Might they raise expectations of entitlement with regards to treatment?
I was encouraged by the guidelines proposed by Psychiatric Times. Among other issues such as the monetary value, doctors are encouraged to consider the impact of accepting or rejecting the gift on the relationship with the patient. Patient-physician relationships are built on trust, and the rejection of a gift may be construed as a betrayal of trust and a great harm to the relationship.
Patients are encouraged to put themselves in the physicians shoes, and keep gifts modest and perhaps consider a gift that can be enjoyed by the entire clinic staff.
I would add, the most valuable gift may be your heartfelt, genuine appreciation. And maybe some cookies.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment