Voiko lääkäri hoitaa ystävää tai läheistään?

Abstract

English summary

Can the attending physician be a friend or relative?

Many doctors sometimes treat their relatives, friends, or acquaintances. In these situations, the extent of involvement by doctors varies from professional advice to extensive responsibility of care. Legislation does not prohibit giving treatment to close friends or family members, although it is not always reasonable and can also cause ethical problems. In many countries, according to the ethical guidelines of national medical associations, it is not considered appropriate to treat colleagues, family members, or other loved ones, except for minor problems. Further, prescription of controlled-substance medications is considered inappropriate. In the treatment of those with whom there is a personal relationship, the same obligations, restrictions, and rights of the patient apply as in the treatment of anyone else. Informal advice and guidance to friends and relatives in medical issues rarely causes problems.