Article Text
PDFClinical ethics
Student essay
Is it acceptable for medical professionals to kiss paediatric patients?
Abstract
It is human nature, perhaps more so for doctors and nurses, to comfort children in distress. Unfortunately, however, necessary medical procedures carried out by healthcare providers (eg, venipuncture) can often result in pain and discomfort, which may in turn cause the provider a degree of guilt and distress. Is it ever acceptable to comfort a paediatric patient with a kiss? This essay examines the literature published on this subject reflecting on a recent encounter with a patient.
- Children
- Newborns and Minors
- Paediatrics
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