As practitioners dedicated to improving outcomes for children, it's crucial to understand the ethical landscape of grateful patient fundraising (GPFR). A recent study titled "Ethical Issues and Recommendations in Grateful Patient Fundraising and Philanthropy" offers valuable insights and recommendations that can significantly enhance your fundraising efforts while maintaining ethical standards.
Grateful patient fundraising can provide substantial support for clinical care, research, and educational initiatives. However, it also raises several ethical concerns. Here are some key takeaways from the study and how you can implement them in your practice:
1. Maintain Transparency
Transparency is crucial in all stages of the development professional-donor relationship. Make sure to clarify your role and responsibilities to potential donors from the outset. This will help manage expectations and maintain trust.
2. Respect Patient Privacy
While HIPAA regulations allow access to certain health information for fundraising purposes, it's essential to respect patients' privacy beyond what is legally required. Ensure that all uses of health information are compliant with HIPAA and other relevant regulations.
3. Avoid Conflicts of Interest
Institutional policies should be designed to avoid conflicts of interest. Physicians should not be offered financial incentives for soliciting donations, as this can compromise their primary obligation to patient care.
4. Handle Vulnerable Patients with Care
Clinically vulnerable patients, such as those with cognitive dysfunction or unstable conditions, should not be engaged in fundraising discussions. Assess vulnerability carefully before proceeding with any GPFR activities.
5. Uphold Donor Intent
Respecting the donor's intent is paramount. Ensure that the funds are used as intended by the donor, and be transparent about any institutional policies that may affect the use of these funds.
6. Implement Training Programs
Standardized training programs should be developed to prepare physicians and development professionals for ethical GPFR. Training should cover the ethical considerations and provide guidelines for responsible fundraising.
By implementing these recommendations, you can enhance your fundraising efforts while maintaining ethical standards. These practices not only benefit your institution but also build stronger, trust-based relationships with your donors.
For more detailed insights and recommendations, I encourage you to read the original research paper. Please follow this link: Ethical Issues and Recommendations in Grateful Patient Fundraising and Philanthropy.
