1. PT’s must maintain professional boundaries with their patients at all times. 

• It is important to respect that this patient has disclosed sensitive information about abuse. Be sure to practice empathy in this scenario.

2. Recognize patients boundaries are unique to life experiences

• Explain that it is important to consider that there may be boundaries to treatment and it is important to gain informed consent consistently throughout the session

3. Be sensitive to practice setting

• If it is a private room in the outpatient facility, it may be important to ask the patient if they feel comfortable being treated in this room or if they prefer to be treated in a more open area.
• Depending on the area of injury, it would be important to consider that if you need access to skin to be able to properly assess and treat this patient, that you are very clear and concise about what you are about to do, why you would need to see this area, and obtain the patient’s informed consent before proceeding
• Additionally, it is important to consider that if it would be better to see an area but not necessary, you should ask the patient and explain the situation. Empower the patient and make it clear that it is their decision

4. Respond appropriately 

• Document the patient’s decision

5. Maintain boundaries

• Throughout treatment, ensure that the patient feels comfortable and that you are maintaining any boundaries that might have previously been set.