Respecting the professional boundary between you and your patients is key to maintaining the trust that is an essential part of the doctor-patient relationship. It can sometimes be challenging to set and maintain these boundaries, but to do so is central to fulfilling your duties as a doctor and to having a successful therapeutic relationship, as well as keeping you and your patients safe. 

Dr Marika Davies, Medicolegal Adviser at the Medical Protection Society, presents a case report outlining how to remain professional with patients in regards to using social media sites, offering chaperones, and when a patient may try to give you a gift.