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Professional boundaries define the limits of appropriate behaviour in relationships between healthcare professionals and patients, between colleagues, and between students and supervisors. Maintaining these boundaries protects patients, preserves trust in the profession, and ensures that professional relationships remain focused on care and learning.
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Patient vulnerability | Patients are in a position of vulnerability — they share intimate information, undress for examinations, and depend on professionals for their wellbeing. This power imbalance makes exploitation possible |
| Trust | The public trusts that healthcare professionals will not exploit their position for personal gain or gratification |
| Professional integrity | Clear boundaries ensure that decisions are made based on clinical need, not personal feelings or relationships |
| Legal and regulatory compliance | Boundary violations can result in GMC proceedings, dismissal, and criminal prosecution |
The doctor-patient relationship must always remain professional. It must never become personal, romantic, sexual, or financial.
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