A “BLURRING” of professional boundaries can make it difficult for young cancer doctors to stay objective when treating patients, a study has found.
Researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School carried out an online survey of hundreds of oncologists under the age of 40.
Results showed 60% felt if doctors were too empathetic then they could not make objective decisions, while 59% also thought it difficult to be truthful about prognosis if they particularly liked a patient.
Despite this, around a quarter of respondents had treated family members, and a third had treated friends.
Most allowed patients to use their first name, and 60% allowed patients to hug or kiss them in greeting or saying goodbye.
Lesley Fallowfield, professor of psycho-oncology at the medical school, said: “Cancer patients need their doctors to be warm, compassionate and caring but the relationship should not be confused with a social one.
“Burnout in young oncologists is high, at more than 30%, and often leads to them leaving the profession.
“Any blurring of professional boundaries can also play a part in the stress faced by oncologists in dealing with patients with a life-threatening illness.
“It is so important patients have strong and trusting relationships with their doctors during what will most likely be a very emotional and difficult period.
“But to ensure that cancer patients receive the best and most objective treatment, oncologists must look after their own emotional well-being also and recognise that there is a professional line over which one shouldn’t cross.”
Medical school incoming dean Malcolm Reed said the results showed a worrying trend.
He said: “The General Medical Council has produced guidance in which these newer risks to professional boundaries are made clear.
“They need to be promoted to students and young doctors.”
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