In clinical medicine, a formal chaperone is a person who serves as a witness for both patient and clinician to safeguard both parties during a medical examination or procedure.
There are two considerations involved in having a chaperone to assist during intimate examinations protection of the doctor/nurse for allegations of improper conduct.
Intimate examinations are any examination where it is necessary to touch or be close to a patient.
All patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they feel that one is required.
Appropriately trained Chaperone’s are defined as a member of the Practice Staff who have completed the Practice Training Programme.
Patients should raise any concerns/make any complaints via the Practice usual comments/complaints procedure.
There may be occasions when a chaperone is unavailable. In such circumstances the doctor will assess the nature of the examination to decide if it is appropriate to go ahead at that time.
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