Checklist Establish there is a need for an intimate examination and discuss this with the patient. Explain why an examination is necessary, and what it entails, so that the patient has a clear understanding of what to expect including whether the examination is likely to be – uncomfortable or painful. Offer a chaperone to all patients for intimate examinations (or examinations that may be construed as such). If the patient does not want a chaperone, record this in the notes. This should include patients of the same gender as yourself. If the patient continues to refuse, their clinical needs must take precedence. You may consider referring the patient to a colleague who would be willing to examine them without a chaperone, but only if the delay will not adversely affect their health. Be aware and respect cultural differences. Religious beliefs may also have a bearing on the patient’s decision over whether to have a chaperone present. Give the patient privacy to undress and dress. Use paper drapes where possible to maintain dignity. Explain what you are doing at each stage of the examination, the outcome when it is complete and what you propose to do next. Keep the discussion relevant and avoid personal comments. Record the identity of the chaperone in the patient’s notes Record any other relevant issues or concerns In addition, keep the presence of the chaperone to the minimum necessary period. There is no need for them to be present for any subsequent discussion of the patient’s condition or treatment. Where should the chaperone stand? Exactly where the chaperone stands is not of major importance, as long as they are able to properly observe the procedure so as to be a reliable witness about what happened. Key points to remember Inform your patients of the practice’s or organisation’s chaperone policy. Record the use, offer and declining of a chaperone in the patient’s notes. Ensure training for all chaperones. GPs do not have to undertake an examination if a chaperone is declined, providing a delay will not adversely affect the patient’s health. Be sensitive to a patient’s ethnic/religious and cultural background. The patient may have a cultural dislike to being touched by a man or undressing. Do not proceed with an examination if you feel the patient has not understood due to a language barrier.
Checklist Establish there is a need for an intimate examination and discuss this with the patient. Explain why an examination is necessary, and what it entails, so that the patient has a clear understanding of what to expect – including whether the examination is likely to be uncomfortable or painful. Offer a chaperone to all patients for intimate examinations (or examinations that may be construed as such). If the patient does not want a chaperone, record this in the notes. This should include patients of the same gender as yourself. If the patient continues to refuse, their clinical needs must take precedence. You may consider referring the patient to a colleague who would be willing to examine them without a chaperone, but only if the delay will not adversely affect their health. Be aware and respect cultural differences. Religious beliefs may also have a bearing on the patient’s decision over whether to have a chaperone present. Give the patient privacy to undress and dress. Use paper drapes where possible to maintain dignity. Explain what you are doing at each stage of the examination, the outcome when it is complete and what you propose to do next. Keep the discussion relevant and avoid personal comments. Record the identity of the chaperone in the patient’s notes Record any other relevant issues or concerns In addition, keep the presence of the chaperone to the minimum necessary period. There is no need for them to be present for any subsequent discussion of the patient’s condition or treatment. Where should the chaperone stand? Exactly where the chaperone stands is not of major importance, as long as they are able to properly observe the procedure so as to be a reliable witness about what happened. Key points to remember Inform your patients of the practice’s or organisation’s chaperone policy. Record the use, offer and declining of a chaperone in the patient’s notes. Ensure training for all chaperones. GPs do not have to undertake an examination if a chaperone is declined, providing a delay will not adversely affect the patient’s health. Be sensitive to a patient’s ethnic/religious and cultural background. The patient may have a cultural dislike to being touched by a man or undressing. Do not proceed with an examination if you feel the patient has not understood due to a language barrier.
Chaperone%20Policy%20Aylesbury%20Partnership.docx