MPS Welcomes CHRE Guidance On Sexual Boundaries

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 15 Jan 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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MPS welcomes the guidance issued by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) on sexual boundaries between healthcare professionals and patients.

Dr Stephanie Bown, Director of Policy and Communications, said: "MPS wholly agrees that vulnerable patients should be protected from undue influence exerted by any healthcare professional, but to state that a sexual relationship with any former patient or carer will often be inappropriate, regardless of the lapse of time poses a disproportionate risk for those wishing to enter into a healthy and consensual relationship.

"Before entering into a relationship with a former patient a doctor should use their own professional judgement and take advice as to whether or not it is appropriate. In the event of a complaint the onus will be on the doctor to show that he/she has not abused nor exploited any previous professional relationship."

Commenting on disclosure of unprofessional behaviour without the patient's consent, Dr Bown said: "The guidance confirms that doctors must ensure that their patient's welfare is their first concern; however they should not be sanctioned when exercising their judgement about the appropriateness of whether, when and to whom to disclose, taking into account the level of suspicion of the risk to patient safety."

Dr Bown further commented: "The emphasis on clear and effective communication in the guidance is welcome, since complaints of inappropriate behaviour frequently arise from misunderstanding, rather than wilful wrongdoing."

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