7 What is the ratio of adults to children on school trips?.Healthcare professionals should note that they are at an increased risk of their actions being misconstrued or misrepresented, if they conduct intimate examinations where no other person is present.Any request that the examination be discontinued should be respected.Chaperones should only attend the part of the consultation that is necessary – other verbal communication should be carried out when the chaperone has left.Record any other relevant issues or concerns in the patient’s notes, immediately following the consultation.During the examination, the chaperone may be needed to offer reassurance, remain alert to any indication of distress but should be courteous at all times.If a chaperone has been present, record that fact and the identity of the chaperone in the patient’s notes.Keep discussion relevant and avoid personal comment. Explain what is being done at each stage of the examination, the outcome when it is complete and what is proposed to be done next.There should be no undue delay prior to examination once the patient has removed any clothing. Use drapes / curtains where possible to maintain dignity. Once the chaperone has entered the room, they should be introduced by name and the patient allowed privacy to undress / dress. Record that permission has been obtained in the patient’s notes.Obtain the patient’s consent before the examination and be prepared to discontinue the examination at any stage at the patient’s request.If the patient does not want a chaperone, record that the offer was made and declined in the patient’s notes.Offer a chaperone or invite the patient to have a family member / friend present.The chaperone would normally be the same sex as the patient and the patient will have the opportunity to decline a particular person as a chaperone, if that person is considered not acceptable for any reason. Explain to the patient why an examination is necessary and give the patient an opportunity to ask questions.Establish there is a genuine need for an intimate examination and discuss this with the patient and whether a formal chaperone (such as a nurse) is needed.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.Protection to the healthcare professional (against allegations / attack)Ĭhecklist for consultations involving intimate examinations.Emotional comfort and reassurance to patients.Their role can be considered in any of the following areas: There is no common definition of a chaperone and their role varies considerably depending on the needs of the patient, the healthcare professional and the examination being carried out. The Healthcare Professional may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations.Īll staff are aware of and have received appropriate information in relation to this Chaperone Policy.Īll trained chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform that role. Patients are advised to ask for a chaperone if required, at the time of booking an appointment, if possible, so that arrangements can be made and the appointment is not delayed in any way. The chaperone may be a family member or friend, but on occasions a formal chaperone may be preferred. A Poster is also displayed in the Practice Waiting Area (See example in Annex A).Īll patients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they consider one is required. The Chaperone Policy is clearly advertised through patient information leaflets, website (when available) and can be read at the Practice upon request. ‘NCGST Guidance on the role and effective use of chaperones in Primary and Community Care settings’. This Chaperone Policy adheres to local and national guidance and policy –i.e.:. MORETON CROSS GROUP PRACTICE is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where patients and staff can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.
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