Intimate exam + chaperone

Question 1

What is a chaperone?

Answer 1

an impartial person who is present during the examination to both offer support to the patient + act as an observer to ensure the examination is carried out in a professional manner

Question 2

can a family member be a chaperone?

Answer 2

no, they are not impartial
but they can be there for support

Question 3

what must be documented after a chaperone + intimate exam?

Answer 3

full name + role of chaperone in medical records

Question 4

What should happen if a patient refuses a chaperone?

Answer 4

• the offer + refusal of a chaperone should be documented in the medical records
• if the doctor is comfortable doing the exam without a chaperone, they can continue
• if not, find a colleague who is comfortable doing it