Conclusion
Accepting gifts remains an issue that divides physicians. Establishing a firm upper limit on the value of gifts could help objectively determine whether to accept a gift. Monetary gifts should be redirected toward appropriate charities. If a physician feels uncomfortable or cannot assess the motivation behind the gift, it should be rejected. Any gifts that are accepted or rejected should be documented.5,9,10,19 When gifts are rejected, an explanation for the rejection can ease a patient’s feelings of rejection and maintain the therapeutic alliance.5 Physicians should ensure (and communicate) that accepting gifts will not alter the patient’s level of care.
