A survey in the latest Medical Journal of Australia holds the concerning finding that more than half of female doctors report being sexually harassed by patients.

The poll shows that female GPs are routinely hindered in their duties by the needless and disturbing sexual advances of patients. 

Top of the list of work-related sexual incidences for medical professionals are instances of patients inappropriately exposing themselves and asking for inappropriate examinations.

More than half of female GPs have had a patient inappropriately expose themselves, whereas 65 per cent have had to fend off requests for inappropriate or non-existent examinations.

Thirty five per cent of respondents said they had been grabbed or touched during a consultation, and 36 per cent said they were subjected to gender-based remarks.

More than two-thirds of reported that the events had caused them to change their consulting style, some saying they had become more formal or stopped physical exams altogether.

Less than ten per cent of female GPs had ever been given training in how to deal with such a situation. Some academics and medical experts have suggested more specific training could be useful in helping GPs deal with the inappropriate and condemnable behaviour.