![]() ![]() However, there appears to be an understanding that accepting large, costly gifts would be unethical and improper technique ( 6). Some maintain that accepting small, modest gifts is benign. Peter was later removed from the medical register ( 5).Īmong the numerous considerations when accepting a gift from a patient is to reflect at the value of the gift in terms of its value. The GMC ruled that such behaviour of receiving gifts from a patient was deemed inappropriate and fell short of the ethical and professional standards of a medical professional. Among the examples that depict the problems with accepting gifts is British psychiatrist Peter Rowan in 2011, who was reported to have received a £1.2 million legacy and a gift of £150,000 in payments from an older patient. ![]() However, is that the simple answer to ethical uncertainty? On the other hand, when there is no such policy, uncertainties occur, resulting in serious moral and ethical repercussions in healthcare practice. Perhaps employing the ‘just say no’ policy approach could be far simpler and safer. Geppert ( 4) explained that while the guidelines about accepting patient gifts are relatively clear-cut, it is the clash of values around patient gifts which often are steered and disarrayed by emotion. Moreover, the most substantial reason against acknowledging single patient gifts is the potential clash of values and interests. It is also crucial toward creating a just, transparent, and free from bribery and corruption ( 3). ![]() For example, in the Malaysian context, maintaining a workplace culture with strong ethics and integrity is part of a competent governance framework. This is also mirrored in other Code of Conduct guidance that there is a provision not to accept gifts that could undermine healthcare professionals’ integrity, place them in a conflict-of-interest situation or the worst cases, is get them in legal trouble with alleged bribery and corruption. For example, the General Medical Council (GMC), United Kingdom ( 2) states that doctors must not accept patients’ gifts if they can affect or be perceived to affect how they are treated. This stance is echoed in many opinion pieces ( 1). Is the gift giving ethically appropriate? What factors does one need to consider in deciding whether to accept or decline such gifts? In some cases, a clear policy existed in addressing gift giving whereby the emphasis is made on rejecting gifts intended to encourage preferential treatment. ![]() Gift giving from patients to healthcare professionals usually well-intentioned and graciously embraced but it is still one of the grey topics that create ethical uncertainty in the healthcare context. ![]()
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