GIFT-GIVING OR INFLUENCE PEDDLING - CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE

Physical therapists are faced with an ever-increasing array of adverti sing ventures, ''free'' gifts, and enticing offers from equipment and supply companies and various health care agencies Concerns are raised about the ethical implications of gift exchange in professional activi ties. Basic motives governing gift exchange are examined from a sociol ogical standpoint. The obligation of the professional to act in the be st interest of the patient and to guard against the impression of impr opriety to the public is paramount in decisions concerning gifts. Opin ions from the medical and pharmaceutical professions are explored to g lean criteria that have applicability to physical therapy. These crite ria are presented in the form of questions that may be helpful for phy sical therapists.