In orientation to my paediatric placement my supervisor had brought to my attention the fact that some of the patients I may come across, would be quite close to my age, and to be careful with personal boundaries.
On this paediatric placement I was treating a patient who was practically a young adult. He had been admitted to the facility sometime before I began there, and remained an inpatient for my entire placement. I treated him twice a day for up to 2 hours each session, practically everyday whilst I was there and, as could be expected, we became quite close.
By the final week of my placement I began to realise how much we had influenced each other. In terms of his physical progress he had come so far since the first time I saw him as a result of the rehabilitation we had been performing. For me, especially being on my first placement for Y4, it was really great to see that physiotherapy can be really effective and make a difference and that we really can have a positive influence on the patients we deal with. I was quite sad saying goodbye to him on my last day and his family gave me a card thanking me for everything I had done for their son.
Towards the end of the placement he asked if I was on “Facebook” and suggested that we find each other, so that I would be able to monitor his progress. I didn’t know what to say. I knew that he meant it purely for the reason he had stated and nothing else, and I’d love to see how he is going with his rehab now, but I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate. I tried to avoid the situation stating that I did have Facebook but that he’d have to find me, knowing that I could decline if necessary.
Being a “people person” is a major part of why I chose to pursue a career in physiotherapy. I am and will always be a firm believer in establishing rapport/ relationships (with boundaries – obviously) with my patients as I feel it facilitates communication and an “open environment” whereby the patient feels free to share their problems with you, no matter how personal they may be. But where do you draw the line? What do I do if he does find me on Facebook?
1 comment:
I agree this is a tricky situation but I feel you have done the right thing by leaving it in the patients hands. As you said you have the option of declining them should they find you on facebook(which I think you should do). It is difficult as you can become 'close' to your patients but I think we need to ensure at all times that this 'closeness' is purely assisting them reach a goal or level of function they have set for themselves.
We are priviliged in the fact that many patients may open up and talk to us about their problems. Whilst is hasn't happened to myself I have heard of patients whom have developed a close relationship with their therapists and as a result they are able to manipulate the therapists and avoid necessary treatment as it is painful etc. Thus I agree with you that building rapport and a relationship with a patient is a good idea as it enables them to trust you with their Rx. If this relationship goes too far then I feel that the patients Rx may be comprimised on top of all the other ethical issues that may come about.
Post a Comment