Why would a doctor need a chaperone?

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.

When should a physician consider offering a chaperone?

Some Colleges recommend that physicians have a chaperone, or at least offer to have one, for sensitive examinations such as pelvic (rectal, vaginal, testicular) or breast exams.

Are chaperones required for pelvic exams?

Yes. Adults and patients who are 12 years and older and can make their own medical decisions can decline a chaperone. Patients can opt out when they arrive at their appointment. The health care provider may also decide not to perform an exam or procedure unless a chaperone is present.

Do male gynecologists need a chaperone?

Assistance is rarely required in examination of male patients, who generally do not express a need for the support of a chaperone and are likely to feel embarrassed if one is present. Teenagers, however, are probably more apprehensive about genital examination than older patients.

What types of examinations require a chaperone?

11 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explicitly recommends having a chaperone attend genital, rectal, and breast exams of adolescent patients but also recommends using shared decision making if the patient is old enough.

What happens if a patient declines a chaperone?

If the patient refuses a chaperone You may need to offer an alternative appointment, or an alternative doctor, but only if the patient’s clinical needs allow this.

How do you explain a chaperone to a patient?

A chaperone should usually be a health professional and you must be satisfied that the chaperone will:

1. be sensitive and respect the patient’s dignity and confidentiality.
2. reassure the patient if they show signs of distress or discomfort.
3. be familiar with the procedures involved in a routine intimate examination.

Can a doctor insist on a chaperone?

The chaperone should usually be a trained health professional, although doctors should comply with ‘a reasonable request’ to have a family member or friend present as well as a chaperone. This page was correct at publication on 13/11/2017. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only.

Does a nurse have to be in the room during a pelvic exam?

A patient may ask for a chaperone if one is not present during a gynecological examination. If a chaperone is not present and the physician does not provide one as requested, a patient has the right to refuse to undergo the procedure.

Who can serve as 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 doctors need a chaperone for intimate examinations?

In 2000, GP Clifford Ayling was convicted of sexual assault on 10 female patients during intimate examinations. At the time, the GMC’s guidance on intimate examinations (1996) suggested that ‘whenever possible’ doctors should offer a chaperone or invite the patient to bring a relative or a friend.

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.

Can a patient refuse to have a chaperone during an examination?

Patients have a right to refuse 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.

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.