Professionalism and the intimate examination - are chaperones the answer?

S Afr Med J. 2011 Nov 1;101(11):814-6.

Abstract

Complaints of sexual impropriety against healthcare practitioners are escalating. Professionalism in the practitioner-patient relationship and the role-based trust in health care do not allow crossing of sexual boundaries. Communication with patients is key to prevent erroneous allegations of sexual misconduct. The intimate examination is difficult to define. A chaperone present during an intimate examination protects the patient and practitioner and should be considered a risk reduction strategy in practice.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gynecological Examination* / ethics
  • Gynecological Examination* / standards
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Chaperones* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Privacy
  • Professional Impairment
  • Sex Offenses / prevention & control*
  • Sex Offenses / statistics & numerical data
  • Trust