What Is a Chaperone?

Definition of a chaperone

 A chaperone can be defined as ‘an independent person, appropriately trained, whose role is to observe independently the examination/procedure undertaken by the doctor/health professional to assist the appropriate doctor-patient relationship’.

 The term implies that the person may be a healthcare professional. However, it can also mean a specifically trained non-clinical staff member.

A chaperone is there to protect both the patient and the clinician from allegations of inappropriate behaviour.  

Patients have the right to ask for a chaperone to be provided and this can be helpful when you want extra support during an examination but would prefer not to have your partner, relative or friend in the room.

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In short, a Chaperone protects both the patient and the clinician from allegations of inappropriate behaviour