![]() The clinician should give the patient a clear explanation of what the examination will involve.This policy should be read alongside the GMC guidance on intimate examinations and chaperonesĬlinicians (male and female) should consider whether an intimate or personal examination of the patient (either male or female) is justified, or whether the nature of the consultation poses a risk of misunderstanding The first section is for clinicians and the section two is for staff who are trained to be a chaperone. Their role, in this context, is to ensure the nature and extent of theĪssessment is appropriate and to protect the patient and practitioner from any suggestion the examination was inappropriate.This policy is designed to protect both patients and staff from abuse or allegation of abuse and to assist patients to make an informed choice about their examinations and consultations. The chaperone should be appropriately trained (we aim for the chaperone to be competent and comfortable with conducting their role in these circumstances and use our professional judgement). The chaperone should be visible to the patient. Signage in each consulting room along with details on the web site and in reception offering a chaperone should a patient need one be clear.Īddendum due to Covid-19 and remote consultation workĭue to Covid-19 restrictions and more widespread use of remote consulting via video calls we aim for a chaperone to be present with the practitioner (either virtually or in the same room) to witness the nature and extent of the video examination that is undertaken at the patients request.The patient can refuse a chaperone, and if so, this must be recorded in the patient’s medical record.The chaperone must be aware of the procedure to follow if they wish to raise concerns. The record will state that there were no problems, or give details of any concerns or incidents that occurred. The chaperone will make a record in the patient’s notes after an examination.To prevent embarrassment, the chaperone should not enter into conversation with the patient or GP unless requested to do so, or make any mention of the consultation afterwards.The chaperone will attend inside the curtain/screened-off area at the head of the examination couch and observe the procedure.The chaperone will enter the room discreetly and remain in the room until the clinician has finished the examination.The clinician will record in the notes that the chaperone is present, and identify the chaperone.The clinician may choose to consider referring the patient to a colleague who would be willing to examine them without a chaperone, as long as the delay would not have an adverse effect on the patient’s health. If a clinician wishes to conduct an examination with a chaperone present but the patient does not agree to this, the clinician must clearly explain why they want a chaperone to be present.Where no chaperone is available, a clinician may offer to delay the examination to a date when one will be available, as long as the delay would not have an adverse effect on the patient’s health.The clinician will contact reception to request a chaperone.Gender. Consideration should also be given to the possibility of a malicious accusation by a patient. There may be occasions when a chaperone is needed for a home visit. If necessary, where a chaperone is not available, the consultation/examination should be rearranged for a mutually convenient time when a chaperone can be present.Ĭomplaints and claims have not been limited to doctors treating/examining patients of the opposite gender - there are many examples of alleged assault by female and male doctors on people of the same However, there will still be times when either the clinician, or the patient, feels uncomfortable, and it would be appropriate to consider using a chaperone. Patients who request a chaperone should never be examined without a chaperone being present. This should remove the potential for misunderstanding. Ensure that a suitable sign is clearly on display in each consulting or treatment room offering the chaperone service.Always ensure that the patient is provided with adequate privacy to undress and dress.Always adopt a professional and considerate manner - be careful with humour as a way of relaxing a nervous situation as it can easily be misinterpreted.GuidelinesĬlinicians (male and female) should consider whether an intimate or personal examination of the patient (either male or female) is justified, or whether the nature of the consultation poses a risk of misunderstanding. This policy is designed to protect both patients and staff from abuse or allegations of abuse and to assist patients to make an informed choice about their examinations and consultations.
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