ETHICAL CHALLENGES OF SEXUAL BOUNDARIES IN THE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
Main Article Content
Keywords
Doctor–Patient Relationship; Sexual Boundary Violations; Medical Ethics; Medical Regulation; Patient Advocacy; Pakistan
Abstract
Introduction: The doctor–patient relationship, historically rooted in fiduciary duty and trust, represents a cornerstone of ethical medical practice. However, the violation of sexual boundaries within this context poses one of the most egregious threats to professional integrity, patient welfare, and societal trust in the healthcare system. This study explores the ethical challenges associated with sexual boundaries in clinical practice, examining the conceptual framework of medical professionalism and the profound consequences of transgressions.
Aims and Objectives: This paper critically analyzes the ethical complexities surrounding sexual boundary violations in the doctor–patient relationship, evaluates the global prevalence of such misconduct, and proposes comprehensive prevention and mitigation strategies, with a particular focus on developing contexts such as Pakistan.
Methodology: A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing peer-reviewed literature, global ethical guidelines, regulatory frameworks, and case studies from both developed and developing healthcare systems. Comparative analyses were drawn from empirical data, regulatory reports, and institutional policy documents.
Results and Findings: Findings indicate that sexual boundary violations are underreported globally, with particularly significant reporting deficits in developing countries due to cultural stigma and institutional barriers. Violations produce profound psychological harm to patients, irreparable reputational damage to healthcare providers, and systemic erosion of public trust in medical institutions. Best practices for prevention include mandatory ethical training, robust institutional reporting mechanisms, regulatory transparency, and culturally responsive patient advocacy. Conclusion: Sexual boundary violations within the doctor–patient relationship constitutes critical ethical failures that demand urgent, coordinated action. Multisector engagement, integrating educational, institutional, regulatory, and cultural reforms, is essential to uphold the ethical sanctity of medical care and to protect the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of patients globally.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Syed Ahmed Mahmud
Assistant Professor Behavioural Sciences, M. Islam Medical & Dental College, Gujranwala, Pakistan.
Ammara Saif Ullah
Demonstrator Behavioural Sciences, M. Islam Medical & Dental College, Gujranwala, Pakistan.
Qurrat-ul-Ain Fatima
Associate Professor of Behavioral Sciences, Multan Medical & Dental College, Multan, Pakistan.
Sadia Imran Cheema
Assistant Professor Behavioural Sciences, Rahbar Medical & Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan.
Marrium Chaudhry
Student, University Medical & Dental College Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Fatima Aslam Sheikh
Assistant Professor Behavioural Sciences, Avicenna Medical College Lahore, Pakistan.