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

Journal article

BACKGROUND: The literature about medical chaperones in primary care is limited to a handful of English-speaking countries. It remains largely unknown to what extent chaperones are offered (and used) outside the published literature. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to explore the attitudes and experiences of a group of general practitioners (GPs; family doctors) attending an international primary care conference regarding their use of medical chaperones. METHODS: Ninety international GPs completed a validated questionnaire, providing information on their current practice, availability and preferred choice of chaperone. Participants expressed their opinion on the importance of, and facilitators and barriers for chaperone use. RESULTS: Although most participants had knowledge of the term 'medical chaperone' (75%), those with a qualification from Europe (other than the UK) were less likely to offer a chaperone. Two-thirds of all participants would consider offering a chaperone and were more likely to work in the public sector (p = .04; Cramér's V = 0.27). A practice nurse was most commonly used as chaperone. Chaperone users ranked the 'medico-legal protection of doctors', 'doctors' professional practice' and 'protection of patients' as the most important factors for using a chaperone. Non-users reported 'personal choice of the doctor', 'confidentiality' and 'impact on the doctor-patient relationship' as the main areas influencing their decision not to use a chaperone. CONCLUSION: International doctors hold different views about the use (or not) of chaperones within their clinical practice and its effect on the doctor-patient consultation. Further research is needed to tease out the reasons for this.

Authors: Van Hecke, O; Jones, K

• Journal: Medicine, science, and the law
• Publication date: 2014-11-01
• DOI: 10.1177/0025802414557114
• EISSN: 2042-1818
• ISSN: 0025-8024
• Language: English
• Keywords: risk management; family medicine; general practice; medical chaperone; intimate examination