What could you do if you are concerned that you or a patient may be at risk?
- The most important thing you can do if you have concerns about possible boundary breaches, from any source, is to share your concerns with your supervisor immediately. One feature common to all boundary violations is lack of transparency, so talking to a colleague is a critical part of helping to abide by your professional ethics.
- Focus on the patient’s needs and best interests. You may find that you have spent quite a lot of time thinking about how you feel and think. Distinguish what your thoughts and feelings are as they exist separate from the patient.
- Review the situation and identify where any boundaries may have been breached. Then put in place strategies to re-establish and maintain appropriate boundaries; this is often best done with assistance.
- Ask yourself if there are contextual issues that may be contributing to your professional practice getting out of alignment. These may include: stress and burnout, un-identified attachments; relationship problems; career set-backs; depression/mental health issues; over use of drugs or alcohol; lack of confidence/low self-esteem.
- Review the guidance produced by Royal Colleges and regulators, including:
- Contact the Professional Support Unit.
- Following discussions with colleagues you may need to contact your medical defence organisation who can provide initial advice.