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Physician-patient sexual contact. Prevalence and problems
N K Gartrell1, N Milliken, W H Goodson
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco.
The Western Journal of Medicine
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Physician-patient sexual contact is prevalent, with 9% of surveyed doctors admitting to it. Most physicians believe this contact is harmful and oppose it, yet training on the issue is lacking.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Physician-Patient Relationships
- Professional Conduct
Background:
- Physician-patient sexual contact represents a significant ethical breach.
- Understanding the prevalence and perceived impact of such contact is crucial for patient welfare and professional standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the current prevalence of physician-patient sexual contact.
- To estimate the perceived effects of this contact on patients.
- To assess physicians' attitudes and training regarding sexual contact with patients.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 10,000 physicians, including family practitioners, internists, obstetrician-gynecologists, and surgeons.
- 1,891 physicians responded to the survey, providing data on their experiences and opinions.
- The study analyzed reported instances of sexual contact and physicians' views on its harmfulness.
Main Results:
- 9% of responding physicians acknowledged sexual contact with patients; overall prevalence estimated at 2%.
- 23% of respondents reported patients who had experienced sexual contact with another physician, with 63% deeming it always harmful.
- Over half of physicians (56%) received no training on physician-patient sexual contact; 94% opposed sexual contact with current patients.
Conclusions:
- Physician-patient sexual contact occurs with concerning frequency and is widely viewed as harmful.
- There is a significant gap in medical education regarding professional boundaries and sexual misconduct.
- There is a need for robust medical ethics codes and comprehensive educational programs to prevent physician-patient sexual contact.
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