ABSTRACT
The healthcare professions provide a unique window on the distress and suffering of patients and osteopaths develop a close physical and personal relationship with their clients. Again, the GOsC guidance is quite clear and emphasises that it is a professional duty of the osteopath absolutely to avoid placing him or herself in such a position, and also to avoid any behaviour that might be construed as in any way inappropriate. In such circumstances the osteopath should not make light of it or ignore it. It may be best to make a clear statement to the patient warning them that such a comment or action is unacceptable or, if serious, advising them that they should find another osteopath. If the osteopath does decide to continue to treat the patient it should be made entirely clear that if there is any repetition of the behaviour the professional relationship with the patient will be terminated immediately.
