Preventing and Addressing Sexual Abuse of Patients April 2015 | Page 12

EDUCATION CON’T

•  he policy Mandatory and Permissive Reporting is posted on our website to provide
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physicians with information and guidance regarding the reporting requirements
for sexual abuse (among others things). The membership receives clarification and
education about this policy through the College’s Dialogue publication.
•  he College has developed a Boundaries Self-Assessment Tool, which was
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published in our physician magazine, Dialogue, and is available on our website.
•  he College has developed and published Guidelines “Safe and Effective Office
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Based Practices” on the website in which we advise physicians to respect patient
privacy during physical examinations and to remember to provide patients with
coverings (such as a knee-length gown and/or drape) to ensure patient comfort;
to provide privacy to allow patients to dress or undress; and, to offer patients
the opportunity to have a third party present during examinations.

2. patient information and support
Past Recommendations:
•  atients should be provided with information regarding how to make a
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complaint about sexual abuse and help should be available to them.
•  atients should be offered assistance throughout the complaints/discipline
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process; support should be provided by a sensitive, trained staff member.
•  ractices to minimize the impact on the patient should be implemented (e.g.,
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ability to testify behind a screen, physician cannot cross-examine them, etc.).
Rationale: Patients do not know where to go if they have concerns about their
physician; it is very difficult for patients to come forward; victims of sexual abuse need
appropriate support.

Measures taken by the CPSO

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