RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Managing erotic feelings in the physician-patient relationship
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 1241
OP 1245
VO 153
IS 9
A1 Golden, G. A.
A1 Brennan, M.
YR 1995
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/153/9/1241.abstract
AB In spite of prohibitions against the sexual involvement of physicians with their patients, erotic feelings sometimes arise in physician-patient relationships. The authors suggest that physicians can protect themselves and their patients from the harm that results from sexual involvement by establishing behavioural limits for their professional relationships, responding to patients' sexual overtures in a firm but nonjudgemental manner, examining their own sexual feelings rationally, seeking consultation if necessary and terminating the relationship if sexual feelings are compromising patient care. The challenge for physicians is to acknowledge that sexual feelings can arise and to manage such feelings for the sake of their own and their patients' well-being.