Where should a chaperone stand during a pelvic exam?

A chaperone should stand in a location where he or she is able to assist as needed and observe the examination, therapy or procedure. A chaperone may be a health care professional or a trained unlicensed staff member.

When it would be appropriate to use a chaperone when seeing a patient?

For patients with mental health needs, neurodevelopment disorders, or for cultural/religious reasons, sensitive examinations, procedures or care may be especially threatening or confusing. A chaperone, particularly one trusted by the patient, may help the patient through the process with the minimum of distress.

Do female doctors use chaperones?

Most male doctors are assiduous about having a chaperon when performing a breast or pelvic exam on a female patient, though many do not use chaperons for male patients. But female doctors, as a group, rarely use chaperons for either male or female patients during genital exams.

Does a nurse have to be present during a pelvic exam?

An additional person, such as a nurse, should be present in the room during a gynecologic exam. This is to protect both the patient and the physician and is standard medical practice.

Can family members be used as chaperones?

The chaperone may be a family member or friend, but on occasions a formal chaperone may be preferred. The Healthcare Professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations. All staff are aware of and have received appropriate information and training in relation to the Chaperone Policy.

Can my boyfriend be in the room when I get a pap smear?

he can go and wait in the waiting room while she is in her appointment. if you mean being in the exam room, if everyone is comfortable, and he can see what happens in the exam.

Do patients accept chaperones from male doctors?

Fewer male patients in the study accepted chaperones than female patients (3\%). But significantly more female patients accepted chaperones from male doctors (85.4\%) than from female doctors. Other studies have found that nearly half of male GPs never or rarely use chaperones when intimately examining women.

Should a chaperone be present during an intimate exam?

Imposing a chaperone on a patient not only runs the risk of compromising trust, but may be a violation of the right to privacy. It is important that patients do not avoid care, specifically for intimate exams, because they fear another person will be in the room with them.

Why do women need chaperones?

Women patients usually have women chaperones. For male patients, a chaperone of any sex actually increases their embarrassment.” A 2005 article in the student British Medical Journal states that chaperones protect patients from “Vulnerability and embarrassment” “Humiliation, pain or distress” and “Verbal, physical, sexual or other abuse.”

Can I ask for a chaperone to attend a health screening?

There are protections in place, however. Anyone can ask for a chaperone (an impartial adult) to attend a health screening with them. Though there is no legal basis for a patient requesting a chaperone, it has become a common practice within the NHS, and accepted by bodies such as the General Medical Council.