[The understanding of the term "iatrogeny"].

Iatrogeny is popularly considered to be the result of treatment. This reasoning is neither false nor is it exhaustive. This article is an attempt to specify the term "iatrogeny", analyses its causes as well as its links with the medical error and medical experiment. It was stated that iatrogeny is a result of an adverse effect which might be associated with either health - care workers or the health - care system generally. Unfavourable impact on patients' health can concern both psychological and physical condition. Therefore, the terms "iatropsychogeny" and "iatrosomatopathy" were distinguished. Iatrogenic effects accompanying medical experiments were considered specific and ethically justified ones, as far as they were carried out in precisely given conditions. They are regarded to be the price of progress in medicine. The health education of the society, versatile training of the medical staff and efficient health - care system are considered to be crucial to minimize iatrogenic influence on patients' health. Unfortunately, according to the reports from UK and USA, it is difficult and practically impossible to eliminate iatrogeny.