These five common variables accounted for over 70% of all cases, and the vast majority of individuals with all five do not commit sexual boundary violations. Almost all are older male doctors, not board certified, and not in senior consultant positions or were in non-academic medical work settings. There are some consistent factors, however. These doctors are more likely to work in general practice, psychiatry, and obstetrics and gynaecology, reflecting the greater likelihood of physical contact and/or psychological intimacy.Ī striking feature of the literature into sexual boundary violations is the absence of “ red flags, ” meaning doctors had no special features which could be identified through screening tests or involved patients who were vulnerable as well as those who were not. Studies give a wide range between 0.2% and 10%, of doctors admitting to a sexual relationship with a patient and around 1.6% are sanctioned. The experience of the courts as well as studies show patients are reluctant to come forward, due to embarrassment, fear, or even misplaced loyalty towards the doctor. It is difficult to know how many doctors have crossed a sexual boundary as they are unlikely to self disclose. Into whatsoever houses I enter, I will enter to help the sick, and I will abstain from all intentional wrong-doing and harm, especially from abusing the bodies of man or woman, bond or free. It breaks a founding ethical principle of medicine, dating back to the Hippocratic Oath. Violations undermine the trust patients have in health professionals and can cause psychological harm, compromising ongoing medical care long into the future. Shocking as this is, fortunately, doctors who cross their professional boundaries in this way are rare, though each one brings shame not just to the individual doctor, but vicariously to the whole profession. He was found guilty of a total of 90 sexual offences. The assaults involved carrying out “invasive examinations for his own gratification.” Shah also breached General Medical Council (GMC) guidelines on the use of chaperones during intimate examinations. In February 2020, the general practitioner Manesh Shah, received three life sentences for sexually assaulting his patients.
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