A chaperone may be provided to help protect and enhance the patient's comfort, safety, privacy, security, and/or dignity during sensitive examinations or procedures. The chaperone is frequently also present to provide assistance to the health professional with the examination, procedure or care.
What are the duties of a chaperone?
A chaperone acts in loco parentis (in place of a parent) and should exercise the care which a good parent would be expected to give those children. Chaperones primary duty is to ensure the health, safety and education of all children in their care, whilst ensuring no child is discriminated against.
How do you explain a chaperone to a patient?
A chaperone should usually be a health professional and you must be satisfied that the chaperone will:
- be sensitive and respect the patient's dignity and confidentiality.
- reassure the patient if they show signs of distress or discomfort.
- be familiar with the procedures involved in a routine intimate examination.
