[Sexual contact between general practitioner and patient in the Netherlands: prevalence and risk factors]

To obtain data on sexual contact between general practitioners (GPs) and their patients and to determine the relationship between sexual abuse and GP characteristics.

Cross-sectional.

In February-May 2002, anonymous questionnaires were mailed to a randomized sample of 1250 general practitioners in the Netherlands.

A total of 977 general practitioners responded (response: 80%). This number included relatively large numbers of women and GPs aged > or = 50. Out of the 977 GPs, 32 had had sexual contact with a patient at some time: 30/695 (4.3%) of the male GPs and 2/247 (0.8%) of the female GPs Coitus was reported by 24 (75%) of them. Of the 32 perpetrators 11 (34%) had had sexual contact with 2 or more patients. Of the 30 male GPs who engaged in sexual contact with patients, 20 (67%) afterwards felt positive about the sexual encounter for himself and 22 (73%) for the patient. Sexual contact with a patient occurred more often among men who at the time of the survey were aged < or = 50 [corrected]. The incidence was not related to the degree of urbanisation of the practice area or to the size of the practice partnership.

Sexual contacts between general practitioners and their patients are not just incidents. It is not enough to be conscious of one's own sexual feelings towards patients. Implementation of a clear policy is needed.