Professional sexual boundaries—Asian and Western perception: An observational study

QuestionDo Hong Kong (HK) physiotherapists recognise professional sexual boundaries, and are there differences (1) between genders and (2) when compared with physiotherapists in Western Australia (WA)?DesignObservational study using a postal questionnaire.ParticipantsOne thousand eight hundred and fifteen physiotherapists registered with the HK Physiotherapists’ Registration Board.Outcome MeasuresRespondents were asked to state (1) their opinions about the actions of a physiotherapist in six vignettes highlighting professional sexual boundaries; (2) the incidence of sexual attraction and dating of their patients; and (3) their course(s) of action when confronted by an allegation of sexual misconduct against a colleague.ResultsTwo hundred and fifty-five responses were received (16% response rate). HK physiotherapists were similar to their peers in WA in finding four of the six vignettes unacceptable. Overall, HK physiotherapists were significantly (p < 0.01) less conservative than their WA peers. Eighty percent of respondents thought it acceptable for a physiotherapist working for a sports team to date a player and 51% thought it acceptable to date a work colleague to whom they had provided professional ergonomics advice. Although the incidence of sexual attraction was less than that reported from WA, HK physiotherapists were more likely to have dated a current or ex-patient and especially if they worked in the private sector (p < 0.01). Seventy percent of respondents stated that they would advise a patient to make a complaint against their colleague to the appropriate authority. Less than 20% stated that they would complain directly to the HK Physiotherapists’ Registration Board or Physiotherapy Association (16% and 7%, respectively).ConclusionSimilarities and differences exist between HK and WA physiotherapists with regard to professional sexual boundaries. Education on this topic is urged within the HK physiotherapy population.