Strafbare Bestechlichkeit von Vertragsärzten und Ethik: Überlegungen zu Grauzonen der Korruption im Gesundheitswesen

Erices R, Frewer A, Gumz A (2013)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2013

Journal

Ethik in der Medizin Springer Verlag (Germany)

Book Volume: 25

Pages Range: 103-113

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1007/s00481-012-0207-7

Abstract

Definition of the problem The potential corruptibility of contracted medical practioners has been controversially discussed for a long time: following the so-called "heart valve scandal", numerous other pharmaceutical companies have also made the headlines when being accused of trying to bribe medical practioners. The issue not only raises judicial and sociopolitical questions, but also ethical questions. Thus far, only few reflections have been made on the matter. The medical profession has preferred to let politicians and legal professionals assess these aspects.Arguments The question of criminal bribery remains in its core a problem for the medical profession and medical ethics. In daily life, it is often difficult to recognize compensations as bribery. The border between harmless acceptance of gifts and possible corruption is often not very clear. It mostly remains in the moral perception of the doctors themselves to recognize the border between cooperation and corruption when dealing with a pharmaceutical company. Inevitably there will be conflicts between private and ethical interest of the medical professionals. Since the official ruling on the matter is insufficient, doctors are forced to decide individually what behavior is appropriate in each case.Conclusion Awareness of sociopolitical and professional-ethical conflicts of interest among doctors should be improved. It is desirable to establish a more agressive dialogue on the question of bribery of doctors. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Authors with CRIS profile

Rainer Erices Professur für Ethik in der Medizin Andreas Frewer Professur für Ethik in der Medizin

Involved external institutions

Universität Leipzig DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Erices, R., Frewer, A., & Gumz, A. (2013). Strafbare Bestechlichkeit von Vertragsärzten und Ethik: Überlegungen zu Grauzonen der Korruption im Gesundheitswesen. Ethik in der Medizin, 25(2), 103-113. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00481-012-0207-7

MLA:

Erices, Rainer, Andreas Frewer, and Antje Gumz. "Strafbare Bestechlichkeit von Vertragsärzten und Ethik: Überlegungen zu Grauzonen der Korruption im Gesundheitswesen." Ethik in der Medizin 25.2 (2013): 103-113.

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