Gifts from Patients

Ethical Concerns Related to Grateful Patient Philanthropy: The Physician’s Perspective

“…4,5 Personal gifts from patients to physicians, which can range from garden vegetables to alcohol to money, are complicated and potentially problematic. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Any offering from patients has the potential to influence physician behavior, perhaps in the form of augmented responsiveness and attentiveness towards gift-giving patients. Grateful patient philanthropy, described as donations that are made in recognition of excellent care received, are often used at academic health centers to support research, education, and clinical initiatives.…”

“…In all cases of patient gift giving, the physician must be prepared to turn down the contribution if the situation violates ethical principles. [7][8][9][10] For physicians, most of whom have no training in and little experience discussing philanthropy with patients, such discussions can be awkward and can threaten the fabric of a purely professional relationship.…”

Patients bearing gifts: are there strings attached?

“…Often, it means “thank you for being there,” especially at a difficult time 2 3. The elderly man had walked through the snow, despite being in great pain.…”

“…Most of the available literature comprises case reports and series from the world of psychotherapy1 5 7; cautionary, anecdotal tales from general practice3 8; and small surveys of hospital doctors 4 6. These data are derived largely from the industrialised West, as reflected in the gifts most often reported: bottles of alcohol and boxes of chocolates 3 6. No one has surveyed the impact of gifts on doctors' health, but their impact on nurses' wellbeing has been investigated 9…”

“…Within medical practice, the main argument against accepting gifts from individual patients is the need for justice and equity when dealing with all patients 2 3 4. If doctors accept gifts from those who can afford them will they think or behave differently around those who cannot?…”