The Doctor and Sexual Boundaries  

Oleh:

Breen, Kerry J. ; Cordner, Stephen M. ; Thomson, Colin J. H. ; Plueckhahn, Vernon D.

Jenis: Article from Books - E-Book
Dalam koleksi: Good Medical Practice Professionalism, Ethics and Law, page 156-168.
Topik: Sexual Misconduct; Psychodynamics of The Breach; Benzodiazepines and Sexual Fantasy; Intimate Examinations and The Use of Chaperones; Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment
Fulltext: The Doctor and Sexual Boundaries.pdf (164.19KB)

Isi artikel

From the time of Hippocrates, the medical profession has acknowledged that the special relationship of trust between patient and doctor must not be abused by the doctor establishing any type of improper or sexual relationship. As stated in the Hippocratic Oath: Whatever houses I may visit, I will come for the bene?t of the sick, remaining free of all intentional injustice, of all mischief and in particular of sexual relations, with both female and male persons, be they free or slaves. This prohibition has been widely restated in recent times and is enforced by the threat of suspension or removal of the name of the doctor from the medical register if found guilty of such unprofessional conduct. For example, the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria states: ‘It is always wrong for a doctor and a patient to enter into a sexual or an improper emotional relationship. It is also wrong for a doctor to enter into a relationship with a former patient or a close relative of a patient, if this breaches the trust the patient placed in the doctor’. Despite this clear prohibition, there is considerable evidence from North America, Europe and Australia that sexual boundary violations remain a problem. This chapter de?nes sexual misconduct and summarises what is known of the incidence of sexual misconduct. It discusses the apparent causes of boundary violations, emphasising the psychological dynamics for the patient/ complainant, who is usually female, and the doctor, who is usually male. An understanding of the psychodynamics of the patient–doctor relationship where these breaches of trust have occurred leads to an appreciation of the frequently harmful outcome for patients. This potential for harm, and other ethical arguments, explains the need for continuation of the strict prohibition of such relationships. The chapter describes a manner of response to allegations of sexual misconduct that is designed to meet the best interests of the complainant, the community and the medical profession. It also brie?y touches on the use of chaperones for intimate examinations, and the making of false allegations.

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