A Spotlight On... Chaperoning

Article | Alex Burnell, Content Developer at Blue Stream Academy

Intimate examinations can be particularly unnerving for people, so it’s paramount that we protect their privacy, safety and dignity. One way to do so is by having an impartial observer, known as a chaperone, present.

Professional bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have published guidance on chaperoning, but there is no national law on this that governs all health and care organisations. Different organisations will have different policies, so it’s important to be familiar with your organisation’s chaperoning policy procedures.

What responsibilities does a chaperone have?

A chaperone has many duties when attending an intimate examination. However, their main responsibility is to provide support in the form of intangible qualities, such as offering reassurance and safeguarding the person who is having the examination.

In their neutral capacity, a chaperone will also protect the health and care professional from unsubstantiated claims that they behaved improperly and will witness the individual’s continuing consent.

Why might someone ask for a chaperone?

It’s most common for someone to ask for a chaperone if an examination could be considered sensitive.

However, they can be requested for any other examination that either the individual or their health and care professional deems necessary. There may also be ethnic, religious and cultural factors as to why an individual requests for the presence of a chaperone, as the individual receiving treatment may find the presence of a chaperone comforting, alleviating any concerns that they may have.

How do I offer someone a chaperone?

You can make someone aware that a chaperone is available to them in several ways, such as:

• Providing information online.

• Displaying posters or leaflets in your organisation.

• Explaining the information verbally – for example, when someone books an appointment.

Alternatively, a person’s behaviour may prompt you to ask for a chaperone to be present.

You or the person receiving treatment can ask for a chaperone at any time, but it’s best to arrange it before the appointment so the treatment doesn’t have to be delayed.

What if a chaperone isn’t available?

There are huge pressures on health and care staff at the moment – not least because of low staffing levels – but it’s important that safe and effective care isn’t compromised. [1] Added to this, the role of a formal chaperone is often carried out by nurses, who have many competing demands on their time.

If someone has requested a chaperone but none are available, give the person the opportunity to reschedule the appointment within a reasonable timeframe.

If the person’s condition is too serious to postpone their appointment, explain this to them and record that you have done so. If they are considered competent and capable of making an informed decision about whether to continue, reach that decision together. If they are not capable of making the decision themselves, use your clinical judgement to come to a decision with their best interests in mind.

How important is communication in the context of an intimate examination?

Effective communication is vital – not only for maintaining excellent standards but also because it helps people feel able to co-operate during intimate examinations.

Before the examination, make sure you carefully explain why the intimate examination is needed and what it will involve, and give the person the opportunity to ask any questions they have. This allows them to give their informed consent to continue with the examination.

If the person would like a chaperone to be present, reassure them that they can decline a particular chaperone, without needing to give a specific reason.

What should I do if I have any concerns?

It’s your professional duty to report any concerns about your workplace that put the safety of the people in your care – or the public – at risk. There won’t be any retribution when you raise a genuine concern, even if it is found to be mistaken or there’s an innocent explanation.

It’s important to follow your organisation’s procedures for ‘speaking up’ so that the relevant action can be taken as soon as possible and any potential for harm is minimised.

How has the role of a chaperone evolved with modern-day healthcare?

Accelerated by responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, video consultations have become a useful tool in health and care.

Although remote consultations aren’t suitable for all intimate examinations, when they are appropriate, the process should be the same as if the examination was being performed face-to-face, and it should be guided by the best interests of the individual

Want to Find Out More?

If you would like to learn more about chaperoning and the qualities that can help to boost knowledge – for yourself or for members of your team – please phone us on 01773 822549 or visit our websites LiveChat feature at bluestreamacademy.com. You can also email info@bluestreamacademy.com.

Alex Burnell

Content Developer at Blue Stream Academy

Hi, I’m Alex, a Content Developer at Blue Stream Academy. I’m part of the team that produces and updates our eLearning modules.

My day-to-day tasks include working closely with our Creative Services department, Programming and BSA Today teams as well as conversing with external subjectmatter experts to create content that educates and informs health and care professionals. I enjoy spending my spare time following my favourite sports teams across the country: Yeovil Town Football Club and Somerset County Cricket Club.