Maintaining Clear Sexual Boundaries

Question 1

Why is it important to maintain clear sexual boundaries?

Answer 1

• Result of crossing boundaries can be serious and cause harm
• Professional judgement can be impaired

Question 2

Commonly referred to as the ‘Power imbalance’, what does this mean?

Answer 2

• Patients are in a vulnerable position when receiving care
• They may not know what is appropriate professional behaviour
• HCPs often have access to a wealth of information about a patient but the same can not be said the other way

Question 3

Which professional body provides guidance to HCPs on how to maintain clear sexual boundaries with patients?

Answer 3

The Professional Standards Authority (PSA)

Question 4

How does the Professional Standards Authority define ‘sexualised behaviour’

Answer 4

‘Acts, words or behaviour designed to arouse or gratify sexual impulses or desires’

Question 5

Examples of breaches in sexual boundaries

Answer 5

• Criminal acts e.g. rape or sexual assault
• Carrying out unnecessary physical examinations
• Asking details of sexual orientation unnecessarily

Question 6

How would you manage a situation in which you feel attracted to a person or relative of a person under your care?

Answer 6

• Never act on these feelings
• Discuss with impartial colleague or pharmacy organisation
• If you cannot feel you can be objective, find other suitable care for the person e.g. organise alternative pharmacist for ward round, referral to alternative pharmacy

Question 7

What is a chaperone?

Answer 7

A person (usually same sex as the patient), who is present as a safeguard for the patient and HCP in a private setting

Question 8

When may the presence of a chaperone be needed?

Answer 8

• When carrying out physical examinations that may be considered intimate
• Private consultations with children under the age of 18
• When a patient requests one