Further Notes and Information
Q4 Have you ever felt attracted towards a particular patient?
Please note when these feelings arose, how often they happen and, if they have changed, what the nature of the change is (if you are having these feelings please go to the relevant parts of Section 2 and Section 3 now).
It is not an ethical violation to have feelings of attraction towards a patient – in fact it is a morally neutral phenomenon. It is critical that the feeling is identified for what it is, that it be discussed with colleagues, and that is it not acted on. Establishing intimate relationships with patients carries a high risk of causing significant and enduring harm to the patient, and a high risk of the clinician losing employment, being suspended, or not being allowed to practice again. It is sometimes possible that the feelings are identified as originating from outside the specific situation and that they are worked through and are eliminated with no adverse impact on the doctor-patient relationship. It may be that the clinician needs to arrange for a colleague to take over seeing the patient. It may also be important to discuss with a colleague any ways in which boundaries have already been crossed; it will always be crucial to put in place a remedial plan to ensure that no violation occurs. Where violations have occurred it is critical to be familiar with formal guidelines and to ensure that you are doing all you can to restore integrity. See section three for more information.