Compulsory Nurse Training On Sexual Boundaries
May 19th 2007
Education on the dangers of sexual relationships with patients will soon be part of all nurses’ training. This step is being taken in light of guidance from the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE), developed by their "Clear Boundaries" project, explains the Nursing Standard.
The project aims to reduce the chance of patients being sexually abused by healthcare 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," warn 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", reports the Nursing Standard.
Their research suggests that three to six per cent of health professionals may abuse patients at some point, and they believe that learning about boundary violations will help students and staff to keep patients safe.
"It is about helping ordinary professionals learn how to deal with vexing and thought-provoking boundary dilemmas," they explain. The CHRE guidance is due to be published later this year.
In its new Code of Professional Conduct, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is also expected to raise the issue. The latest draft states that members should "establish and actively maintain clear sexual boundaries."
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