A PILOT COURSE FOR RESIDENTS ON SEXUAL FEELINGS AND BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE IN TREATMENT

Surveys indicate that between 6% and 10% of psychiatrists report sexua l contact with patients. Surveys also indicate that only a small minor ity of psychiatrists feel that they have received adequate teaching ab out this unethical behavior. Educational efforts aimed at reducing sex ual exploitation of patients would be of value to trainees, patients, academic programs, and the profession. The authors report their experi ence with a pilot 6-session course for residents, and a longer model c ourse is outlined. Such education should be mandatory in U.S. residenc ies. Mandated instruction would be consistent with both the high prior ity training directors have reported placing on the subject of sexual misconduct in ethics teaching and with the widespread calls for increa sed education on this important subject.