What should GPs be doing about chaperones?

The use of chaperones in general practice: Is this just a ‘Western’ concept?

“…The use of medical chaperones (or the presence of a third party observing) during clinical examinations is important whether one practises as a general practitioner (GP), medical specialist, medical student, nurse or other allied health professional who examines patients. 1 Chaperones are also important in the custodial setting where there may be additional considerations for chaperones who may witness the disclosure of forensically significant information by detainees. Minimising the risk to patients, wherever the setting, is an important component of good medical practice, 2 and the offer (and uptake) of a chaperone goes some way to reducing this risk.…”

“…3 The erratic offer (and uptake or not) of a chaperone and its subsequent documentation leaves clinicians (and other health professionals) open to criticism, inference, potential allegation and litigation. 1 More remarkable, though, is that there is very limited information about whether chaperones are used in certain parts of the world, if at all. 4 Our aim therefore was to explore the attitudes and experiences of a group of international GPs attending a world primary care conference in 2013 regarding their use of medical chaperones in clinical practice.…”