The absence of statutory regulations to prevent abuse of patients by medics does not mean that the management of medical facilities here in Ireland could not seek to introduce their own code of practice and a facility for reporting. The Medical Council of Ireland do have a facility in place to make a complaint against a doctor and explains how the follow up is carried out – you can read more about this by clicking here.
In this section we have gathered a selection of materials that we believe may help support you in your work in a clinical or management role. We have drawn on professional guidelines and recommendations from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada amongst other places.
UK
• Clinic for Boundary Studies (UK)
• Health Professions Council (UK): Protecting the Public, regulating health professionals
• Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (UK): Clear sexual boundaries between healthcare professionals and patients: responsibilities of healthcare professionals
• Clinic for Boundary Studies (UK) Code of Ethics
USA
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (USA) – Professional Boundaries Guide
Australia
• The Nursing Centre (Australia) – Nurses Guide to Professional Boundaries
Canada
• College of Physiotherapists Ontario: Mandatory Reporting Obligations Sexual Abuse of Patients
New Zealand
• As mentioned earlier, The Medical Council of New Zealand have published a guideline document for doctors however it is a useful resource for any medical professional.
If you come across any resources that, as a medical professional, you feel might be of interest to other professionals please e-mail us. We would be delighted to receive your recommendations.