What is a chaperone policy and why is it required?

Chaperones assist both patients and providers in completing sensitive exams and procedures in a consistent, safe, and respectful manner. Chaperones can help protect and enhance a patient’s sense of privacy, security, and dignity in sensitive situations.

Can a doctor request a chaperone as well as a patient?

The latest GMC guidance Intimate examinations and chaperones (2013) says that doctors should offer the patient the option of a chaperone wherever possible before conducting an intimate examination. However, doctors should comply with ‘a reasonable request’ to have them present as well as a chaperone.

Why is a chaperone important?

A medical chaperone acts as an advocate for the patient and can help patients understand exactly what is happening, and why. Studies have also shown that many patients see the offer of a chaperone as a sign of respect from their doctor and helps build a good patient–doctor relationship.

What is a patient chaperone?

A chaperone is a person who acts as a witness for a patient and a health professional during a medical examination or procedure.

What to do if a patient declines a chaperone?

If the patient refuses a chaperone If you are unwilling to conduct an intimate examination without a chaperone, you should explain to the patient why you would prefer to have one present. You may need to offer an alternative appointment, or an alternative doctor, but only if the patient’s clinical needs allow this.

Who can be a medical chaperone?

1,2 Currently, the American Medical Association (AMA) says any authorized member of the health care team can serve as a medical chaperone as long as there are clear expectations to uphold professional standards of privacy and confidentiality.

Do you want a chaperon in the room with your doctor?

But if the doctor is a woman, that number is extremely low. In fact, many female patients distinctly do not want a chaperon present when they are being examined by a woman. This attitude is mirrored by male patients, who overwhelmingly do not want any third party in the room, regardless of the sex of the doctor.

What is the purpose of a chaperone in a hospital?

B. A chaperone may be provided to help protect and enhance the patient’s comfort, safety, privacy, security, and/or dignity during sensitive examinations or procedures. The chaperone is frequently also present to provide assistance to the health professional with the examination, procedure or care. C.

When will chaperones be provided for sensitive examinations?

In acknowledgement of the fact that a patient’s personal and cultural preferences may broaden their own definition of a sensitive examination, chaperones will always be provided for other examinations if requested by a patient, parent or legal guardian.

Can a chaperone be the same gender as the patient?

This applies whether or not you are the same gender as the patient. A chaperone should usually be a health professional and you must be satisfied that the chaperone will: be prepared to raise concerns if they are concerned about the doctor’s behaviour or actions.

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