Sexual boundaries (NEW)

Question 1

Why is it important to maintain clear sexual boundaries?

Answer 1

• Professional judgment can be affected, compromising best care and interests for the patient.
• Damages public trust and confidence in pharmacy and other healthcare professions.
• Can cause serious/lasting harm to patients.

Question 2

Power imbalance

Answer 2

• Power imbalance is often a feature in the HCP/patient relationship, although it might not be explicit.
• Pharmacist has power.
• Patients are often vulnerable
• Personal information is shared.
• Pharmacists have access to resources that a patient needs (e.g. medicines).
• Patient may not be aware of what is considered professional behaviour; they may not be able to judge whether the relationship or what happens to them is appropriate.

Question 3

The Professional Standards Authority (PSA)

Answer 3

Provides guidance on the responsibilities that healthcare professionals have to maintain clear sexual boundaries between HCPs and patients.

Question 4

Sexualised behaviour

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Breach of sexual boundaries

Answer 5

• Not limited to criminal acts, such as rape or SA.
• Examples:
  
  • Carrying out an unnecessary physical examination
  • Asking for details on sexual orientation unecessarily.

Question 6

Examples of breach of sexual boundaries

Answer 6

• Carrying out an unnecessary physical examination.
• Asking for details on sexual orientation unnecessarily.
• Revealing intimate personal details to a patient.
• Giving/accepting social invitations.
• Visiting the home of a person unnecessarily.

Question 7

What to do if a HCP is attracted to a person under their care

Answer 7

• Must not act on these feelings.
• If they are concerned it will affect their professional judgement, or they are not sure if they are abusing their power they should discuss this with someone:
• Colleague
• Pharmacy organisation that represents them.
• Professional leadership body
• Professional indemnity insurance provider.

Question 8

What to do if a patient is attracted to a HCP

Answer 8

• If appropriate, discuss the person’s feelings in a constructive way and try to re-establish a professional relationship.
• If not, transfer their care to another pharmacist.
• Can discuss it with the aforementioned.

Question 9

Cultural and other differences.

Answer 9

• Can affect an individual’s view on personal boundaries and what is appropriate.
• Must be sensitive to this and respect their views/boundaries.
• e.g. examination by same gender.

Question 10

Chaperones

Answer 10

• Someone of the same sex as pt.
• Safeguard the patient and HCP.
• Witness
• Always ask patients if they would like a chaperone, do not guess what their wishes are.
• If a chaperone is not available, offer to delay/re-arrange.
• Record any discussion you have with pt about chaperones, including when they decline one.

Question 11

Raising concerns

Answer 11

• Duty to raise any concerns, including concerns others have raised to them.