![Sample our Behavioral Sciences journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110801/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Behavioral-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
This paper explores the psychometric properties of the Boundary Violation Index (BVI), a screening instrument designed to assess the attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors of physicians at risk of sexual misconduct with patients and staff. Items for the BVI were selected and validated using a two phase process of administration of the tool along with the Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) to physicians referred to a CME course for boundary violating behaviors (n = 60 and 272) along with a control group (n = 118). Criterion-related validity in relation to the SAST was strong (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and construct validity was demonstrated by the difference between intervention and comparison group BVI scores (p < 0.001). A BVI score of ≥ 6 for interpreting substantive risk had a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 81%, and represented a greater than 20-fold greater risk (Exp B = 20.5, 95% CI 11.8–35.7, model p < 0.001) for membership in the intervention group. The BVI offers promise as a preliminary tool for identification of physicians at risk for boundary violating behaviors and may have utility for medical education and/or monitoring purposes.
Presented at the Society for Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH) National Conference in Las Vegas, NV in September 27–29, 2007.
Financial support for the study was provided by the Center for Professional Health at Vanderbilt University.
The authors wish to thank Panarut Wisawatapnimit, MSN, RN at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing for her valuable assistance with data analysis. They also wish to thank Dr. Deborah Corley at the Sante Center for Healing and Dr. Patsy Fargason at Caduceus Outpatient Addiction Center (COPAC) for their contributions to data collection. There are no conflicts of interest for any of the authors. Mr. Swiggart has access to all data and takes full responsibility for the accuracy and the data and data analysis.
Notes
∗Mann-Witney Test for Age, Pearson chi-square
∗∗Chiropractor, physician assistant, pathology, ophthalmology, podiatry, rehabilitation, pain medicine, radiology, and unknown.