A National Survey of Training Directors About Education for Prevention of Psychiatrist-Patient Sexual Exploitation

Residency directors were surveyed about education related to prevention of psychiatrist-patient sexual exploitation. Ninety-nine percent said they provide at least 1 session on this topic, 49% offer a formal course on it, and 83% indicated that this instruction should be mandatory. Eight percent of these educational programs had been instituted within the prior 10 years, and 55% of these programs had been instituted within the prior 4 years. Great variability was found in the precise nature of the instruction offered. By contributing to increased awareness, better treatment, and possibly to prevention of unethical behavior, such education can benefit patients, trainees, and the profession, and should be required for accreditation.