The gray zone of patient-nurse communication: Inappropriate sexual behavior

This review was written to examine the incidences of inappropriate sexual behavior (ISB) and to study the responsibilities of nurses in the management of ISB.

When nurses experience ISB, they tend to describe this situation as harassment. However, the use of the phrase "harassment" indicates inadequate professionalism because although disturbing, not every incidence of ISB is an expression of adult sexuality. Some patients are also likely to use this type of behavior to mask their existing life stress. As a result, nurses have difficulty interpreting and managing behavior that falls in this gray zone.

To support nurses, we recommended that studies that define ISB, determine its prevalence, evaluate it, and guide nurses in the management of ISB should be carried out.