Table of Contents
What is a formal chaperone?
In clinical medicine, a formal chaperone is a person who serves as a witness for both a patient and a medical practitioner as a safeguard for both parties during a medical examination or procedure and is a witness to continuing consent of the procedure.
What is the role of medical chaperone?
A chaperone is a person who acts as a witness for a patient and a health professional during a medical examination or procedure. A chaperone should stand in a location where he or she is able to assist as needed and observe the examination, therapy or procedure.
What is a chaperone policy and why is it required?
Chaperones are most often required or requested where a male examiner is carrying out an intimate examination or procedure on a female patient, but the designation of the chaperone will depend on the role expected of them, whether participating in the procedure or providing a supportive role.
What is a patient chaperone?
In clinical medicine, a chaperone is a person who serves as a witness for both a patient and a medical practitioner as a safeguard for both parties during a medical examination or procedure. In other clinical settings the chaperone could protect the doctor from physical attack.
Who can be a formal chaperone?
A formal chaperone implies a suitably trained individual, such as a nurse or a specifically trained staff member e.g. Health Care Assistant. This individual will have a specific role to play in terms of the consultation and this role must be made clear to both the patient and the person undertaking the chaperone role.
Can a receptionist be a chaperone?
A variety of people can act as a chaperone in the practice. Nurses are obviously ideal but it is unlikely that they will be available, and Health Care Assistants, Phlebotomists and experienced Receptionists / Dispensers can all act as chaperones, provided they have had the required training, and a DBS check.
How do you chaperone a GP?
Chaperone training
- be sensitive and respect the patient’s dignity and confidentiality.
- reassure the patient if they show signs of distress or discomfort.
- be familiar with the procedures involved in a routine intimate examination.
- stay for the whole examination and be able to see what the doctor is doing, if practical.
Why is a chaperone important?
A medical chaperone is an impartial observer present during a consultation between a doctor or allied health professional and a patient. A medical chaperone acts as an advocate for the patient and can help patients understand exactly what is happening, and why.
How do you offer a chaperone?
During the Consultation in Which a Chaperone is Required
- During an intimate examination.
- Offer reassurance.
- Be courteous.
- Keep discussion relevant.
- Avoid unnecessary personal comments.
- Encourage questions and discussion.
- Remain alert to verbal and non-verbal indications of distress from the patient.
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:
- be sensitive and respect the patient’s dignity and confidentiality.
- reassure the patient if they show signs of distress or discomfort.
- be familiar with the procedures involved in a routine intimate examination.
What does it mean to have a chaperone in general practice?
General Practice Chaperones. What is a chaperone? A chaperone is an ‘impartial observer’ who may accompany patients into a medical appointment (usually ones of a sensitive or intimate nature). This is often a member of staff at the practice whom the practitioner must feel can be sensitive and respect the patient’s dignity and confidentiality.
What’s the best way to use a chaperone?
Allow the chaperone to hear the explanation of the examination and the patient’s consent. Ensure patients’ privacy during the examination and when they are dressing and undressing e.g. use screens and gowns/sheets.
Do you need a chaperone for an intimate examination?
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. The chaperone should usually be a trained health professional; friends or family members are not regarded as impartial.
What should you do if a patient refuses a chaperone?
For patients who refuse a chaperone, you should record that you offered a chaperone but the patient declined. If the patient refuses a chaperone. 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.