Consensual Sexual Relationships between Health Practitioners and Their Patients: An Analysis of Disciplinary Cases from New Zealand

Abstract

Consensual sexual relationship between health practitioners and their patient are considered one of the most serious breaches of professional boundaries. Prevalence rates are difficult to establish since underreporting may occur, yet media attention may conflate the perception of prevalence. In this study we first reviewed the literature for risk factors for health practitioners and patients, professional standards, and responses of disciplinary bodies. Following this, we quantitatively summarised case characteristics and disciplinary outcomes from a 14-year cohort of New Zealand’s Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal proceedings. From the 26 cases identified, four themes were discussed in detail and illustrated with cases. These include: female practitioners working in correctional settings; zero tolerance but no registration repercussions; patient vulnerabilities when help-seeking for mental health issues; and the use of rehabilitative penalties. Despite the difficulties in conducting research on sexual boundary violations, this raises awareness, encourages proactive reporting, and inspires constructive strategies.