Sexual ‘boundaries’ to be part of all nurse training
Published: 24 May 2007
In light of new guidance from the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence, education on the dangers of sexual relationships with patients will soon become part of all nurse training.
New mandatory policy
The CHRE's Clear Boundaries project developed the guidance which aims to reduce the chance of patients being sexually abused by health care staff, following several high-profile cases. It will result in a new mandatory policy on the responsibilities of universities, regulatory bodies and employers to make sure all health professionals receive this training.
Otherwise "there is a danger that students and practitioners with the least personal insight and who are most in need of training will avoid it," warns the CHRE.
In a new proposal by the CHRE, health professionals could face a total ban on relationships with patients and former patients.
The CHRE acknowledges that "having sexual feelings towards patients is not uncommon, but says acting on them is always unprofessional and potentially damaging to patients."
Their research suggests that three-to-six per cent of health professionals may abuse patients at some point. They believe that learning about boundary violations will help students and staff keep patients safe: "It is about helping ordinary professionals learn how to deal with vexing and thought-provoking boundary dilemmas."
The CHRE guidance is due to be published later this year.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council is also expected to raise the issue in its new Code of Professional Conduct. The latest draft states that members should "establish and actively maintain clear sexual boundaries."
Source: staffnurse.com