Welcome to Ethical Boundaries (Ethical)
Welcome to this course
A real, documented case: a woman visiting family abroad was diagnosed with a kidney condition, and several of her own relatives, all practising physicians, became informally involved in her care, sharing results over messaging apps, discussing treatment without formal records. No romantic or sexual element was involved anywhere in this case. The genuine concern was compromised objectivity and confidentiality, arising purely from already knowing the patient.
This course covers dual relationships and favouritism, the real, everyday boundary risk of treating people you already know, and the ethics of preferential treatment, grounded in current GMC guidance and real, documented ethical dilemmas, not a generic conduct checklist.
- Explain why dual relationships and favouritism are assessed as genuine boundary concerns, without needing any romantic element
- Recognise the real, specific risks of treating a family member, friend, or someone close to you professionally
- Identify favouritism in your own practice, with patients and with colleagues
- Apply a genuine, practical self-check before agreeing to care for, or make decisions about, someone with a personal connection to you
Who this is for
Any regulated health or social care professional. This is a genuinely common course, the underlying standard on dual relationships and favouritism is consistent across GMC, NMC, GDC, HCPC, GPhC, and Social Work England.
This course explains the general standard on dual relationships and favouritism. It is not legal advice. If you’re facing a live concern involving an allegation of this kind, contact your defence organisation, union, or indemnity provider immediately.
Structure How this course is organised +
Four modules, three knowledge checks, and a final 12-question assessment. Score 80% to unlock your certificate.
- Module 1 — why this is a different kind of boundary
- Module 2 — treating people you already know
- Module 3 — favouritism and preferential treatment
- Module 4 — a practical framework
Around 2 hours in total, worth 2 CPD hours.
Part of Professional Boundaries — Common Courses +
This course sits within CrownEthics’ Professional Boundaries library, alongside Professional Boundaries in Health and Social Care, Social Media & Digital Professional Boundaries, and the wider Probity & Honesty library.
