Chaperoning Roles and Responsibilities Thoreya Swage Quality Learning

Chaperoning, Roles and Responsibilities Thoreya Swage Quality Learning and Development

Learning outcomes � What is meant by the term chaperone � Why do we need to chaperone � Role of the chaperone � Who can act as a chaperone � The rights of the patient � The responsibility of the chaperone � Policy and mechanism for raising concern

What is a chaperone? �A chaperone is a trained member of staff or family member/friend who accompanies a patient during an intimate examination by a health professional of the opposite sex.

Why do we need to Chaperone? � Safeguard against unnecessary discomfort, etc during examination � Provide reassurance to patient � Maintain eye contact if clinician is performing procedures � Assist infirm patients while undressing � Protect staff against allegations of abuse � To protect against other forms of abuse

When to offer a chaperone. . � During difficult psychiatric interviews � Where there might a be risk of violence � Where a minor presents without a parent or guardian � When a patient is intoxicated or has been taking drugs. For all intimate examinations and whenever requested by the patient

Role of the chaperone. . . � To provide emotional support � To assist in the examination during a procedure � To assist undressing patients � To provide protection for the clinician � To summon help if a patient is violent � To identify and question/challenge unusual or unacceptable behaviour by a clinician.

What do you need to be a chaperone � To be sensitive and respectful of patients dignity � To be able to reassure patients if they become distressed � To be familiar with the procedures involved in the examination � To be prepared to raise concerns if necessary � To be the same sex as the patient � To be able to liaise with the patient in the same language

Offering a chaperone � All patients should be offered a chaperone � Offer should be made preferably at booking and again before the procedure � Document the offer and the patient response. � If a chaperone is refused the clinician can book the patient in with another doctor � The name of the chaperone must be documented

When a chaperone is not available. . . � Give the patient the opportunity to reschedule � If the clinician feels it is urgent then discuss with patient and make a joint decision � It is acceptable for a clinician to perform an examination if the situation is life threatening or speed is essential

Issues relating to chaperoning. � Lone working � Children � Religion, culture and sexual orientation � Learning difficulties and mental health problems � Non –English speaking patients � Sedation

During the examination � Patients should be allowed to undress in private � The procedure should take place without delay � The patient should be asked to re-dress before their condition is discussed. � The examination should be in a closed room. � Patients should be offered a choice of position � The exam must be stopped if the patient requests it, � The chaperone should only be present during the examination not during the discussion

What should you do? � Offer reassurance � Be courteous and respectful � Keep discussion relevant � Avoid unnecessary personal comments � Encourage questions and comments � Remain alert to verbal and non-verbal signs of distress from the patient.

When to intervene. . � Lack of patient dignity/inappropriate contact � Compromised safety by staff or patient � Lack of informed patient consent � Insufficient explanation to the patient � When treatment continues after withdrawal of consent � Lack of confidentiality � Where communication is compromised

Record keeping and communication � The purpose and nature of the examination should be clearly explained to the patient � Details of the examination should be documented in the patient case notes � Any patient/staff with concerns following and examination must be documented – given Trust’s complaint procedure and incident form completed