Professional guidances - sexual boundaries, religion

Question 1

Why is it important to maintain clear sexual boundaries?

Answer 1

• Impaired professional judgements which may compromise care of patient
• Can damage public trust and confidence in pharmacy and other HC professions
• Can cause long lasting harm to patients

Question 2

if you find that your professional judgement is affected or you have feelings - what do you do?
What happens if it is the other way around?

Answer 2

Find other care for patient and do not act on feelings

Re-establish a professional relationship and if not possible then transfer care

Question 3

What are the 2 types of chaperone?

Answer 3

Formal - appointed colleague where they are there to protect both parties to ensure consent has been gained. Ideally same sex as pt
Informal - cannot assist in examination, provision of support e.g. friend

Question 4

Is a chaperone needed for a flu vaccination?

Answer 4

Not always but always offer one - e.g. especially if patients are vulnerable

Question 5

What are the benefits of a chaperone?

Answer 5

safeguard all parties and witness to continuing consent in procedure

• emotional comfort
• assist on examination
• interpreter
• protection to HCP against unfounded allegations of improper behaviour and in aggressive incidents

Question 6

if you need to undertake examination/give flu job - what would you do?

Answer 6

Consent - formal written after provision of information

• in private area/consultation
• chaperone if want
• if do not want chaperone - down to you to decide whether to do it. If want a chaperone but no-one around, ask to come back another time unless delay not in best interests. Gain consent when they come back.
• only need to remove part of clothing to access
• if need to undress, undress alone in private undisturbed area. Takes place without delay to maintain dignity and avoid vulnerability feelings

Question 7

What are some services that people might not want to provide due to personal /religious beliefs?

Answer 7

• EHC & contraception
• HIV medicines/sexual health
• mental health
• substance misuse services
• fertility
• hormonal therapies

Question 8

Can pharmacists refuse to provide care if it is against their values/beliefs?

Answer 8

Have the right to practice in line with their beliefs/values as long as they act in accordance with equalities and human rights law and make sure patient centred care not compromised.

• make employer aware
• if do not - refer to somewhere else and ensure they can provide it
• If they cannot access then must provide
• Shouldn’t impose their views

Question 9

What are some factors that would make you suspect FGM?

Answer 9

struggling to walk properly
sitting, standing - struggling
spending a long time in the toilet
depression

Question 10

If a child is <18 and suspect FGM - what are your actions?

Answer 10

Legal duty to report it to police as it is illegal in the UK under the female genital mutilation act 2003 and serious crime act 2013

Question 11

What is the overarching standard for pharmacy professionals?

Answer 11

Patient centred care - pharmacy professionals understand what is important to the individual and adapt care to to meet their needs, the care of them is first priority. Must listen to patient, understand their needs, giving them information in a way they can understand to make informed decisions, respect and safeguard their dignity, respecting cultural differences, recognise own beliefs and do not impose on others. Take responsibility for ensuring that PSC is not compromised because of personal values/beliefs.

Question 12

What is the power imbalance?

Answer 12

Although it may not be explicit, a power imbalance is often a feature in the HCP/patient relationship:
- pt often vulnerable when they need healthcare
- personal info is shared or you have resources (e.g. meds) that a pt needs
- pt may not know what is appropriate professional behaviour, we need to be aware of this