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).

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

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 necessarily.

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.
• Make the patient aware of the change and make it clear that the reason for this change is nothing to do with them and that they are not in the wrong

Question 9

Cultural and other differences.

Answer 9

• Can affect an individual’s view 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.