What Is A Chaperone?
A chaperone is present as a safeguard for all parties (patient and health professionals) and is a witness to the conduct and the continuing consent of the procedure.
The precise role of the chaperone varies depending on the circumstances. It invariably includes providing a degree of emotional support and reassurance to patients, but may also incorporate:
- Assisting in the examination or procedure, for example handing instruments during Intra
- Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) insertion
- Assisting with undressing, dressing and positioning patients
- Providing protection to healthcare professionals against unfounded allegations of
improper behaviour.
Under no circumstances should a chaperone be used to reduce the risk of attack on a health professional. Where such concerns arise, Community Services Procedure of care for patients who are violent and abusive must be followed.
If you require a chaperone for an intimate examination please see the receptionist. If at the time it is not possible we will arrange an appointment so that a member of staff is free to accompany you.
This applies to male and female patients.
If the patient has requested a chaperone and none is available at that time the patient must be given the opportunity to reschedule their appointment within a reasonable timeframe (this may include simply waiting in the clinic or practice until a member of staff arrives on duty). If the seriousness of the condition would dictate that a delay is inappropriate then this should be explained to the patient and recorded in their note
Children and their parents or guardians must receive an appropriate explanation of the procedure in order to obtain their co-operation and understanding. If an under 16 presents in the absence of a parent or guardian the healthcare professional must ascertain if they are capable of understanding the need for examination.
Issues specific to religion, ethnicity, culture and sexual orientation should be taken into account and discussed, not presumed. We must all recognise that each individual has very different needs and procedures should be performed by a mutually agreed healthcare professional.
For patients with learning difficulties or mental health problems that affect capacity, a familiar individual such as a family member or carer may be the best chaperone. Adult patients with learning difficulties or mental health problems who resist an examination or procedure must be interpreted as refusing to give consent and the procedure must be abandoned.
By having a chaperone of the same sex as the patient present the examination may be made more acceptable. Also, alternatives would be sought i.e. appointment at a later date when chaperone available or at alternative site if correct gender of chaperone not available. If, at any time, this policy is considered to be discriminatory in any way, the patient should contact the practice manager to discuss their concerns.
Patient Confidentiality
In all cases where the presence of a chaperone may intrude in a confiding clinician-patient relationship their presence should be confined to the physical examination. Communication between the health professional and the patient should take place before and after the examination or procedure.
Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential.
We understand how important it is to keep your personal information safe and secure and we take this very seriously. We have taken steps to make sure your personal information is looked after in the best possible way and we review this regularly.
Please read our GDPR Privacy Policy carefully, as it contains important information about how we use the personal and healthcare information we collect on your behalf.