Thanks for asking: Adolescent attitudes and preferences regarding the use of chaperones during physical examinations

Morgan, Renee; Katzman, Debra K.; Kaufman, Miriam; Goldberg, Eudice; Toulany, Alène

doi:10.1093/pch/21.4.191

Cited by 8 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Prior research evaluating patient preferences suggest that females are generally more inclined to prefer chaperones as compared with their male counterparts. 7,13,[20][21][22][23][24][25] However, as many as 38% of male respondents in these studies do in fact desire a chaperone. 7,13,21,24,25 Although difficult to assess, it is likely that sex identification and sexual orientation play a significant role in many of these trends, both in terms of provider practices as well as patient preferences.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chaperone Use During Plastic Surgery Physical Examinations

et al. 2022

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Background: Medical chaperones often play an important role during physical examinations, providing patient comfort and serving as medicolegal witness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare practices regarding chaperone use by plastic surgery attendings and trainees. Methods: Avoluntary survey was distributed to members of the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons. The survey included a standardized set of questions regarding physician demographics, nature of practice training, and current practices pertaining to chaperone use. Data were analyzed in a descriptive fashion. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of chaperone use. Results: We received 167 responses, of which 107 (64.1%) were attendings and 60 (35.9%) were trainees. In total, 78.3% of the respondents were male and 21.7% were female. Routine use of chaperones was reported at 58.6%. Compared with plastic surgery trainees, attending surgeons were 12.8 times more likely to use a chaperone during sensitive examinations ( P < 0.001). In addition, male respondents were 6.43 times more likely than their female counterparts to involve a chaperone during sensitive examinations ( P < 0.001). Forty-eight percent of the trainees acknowledged receiving education regarding chaperone use, and this cohort was 7 times more likely to use a chaperone when compared with trainees who had not received chaperone instruction ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights the wide variability of chaperone use among plastic surgery attendings and trainees. Integration and standardization of chaperone education within plastic surgery training may be an effective technique to promote this practice and lead to improved patient-provider clinical experiences.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chaperone Use During Plastic Surgery Physical Examinations

et al. 2022

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“…A study conducted in 1986 in the USA suggested that few adolescents would want to have a chaperone present for pelvic examination15 and Feldman et al 10 found most (99.6%) adolescent patients and/or their families declined the offer of a chaperone, although no explanation for the role of the chaperone was given to the patients. More recent data from Canada showed that 61% of adolescents wanted the choice of a chaperone for an intimate examination, with only 29% reporting that they would not want a chaperone present at all 4. Qualitative studies report some patients feel more embarrassed by the presence of a chaperone, whereas for other patients a chaperone made them feel more at ease 4 11.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…More recent data from Canada showed that 61% of adolescents wanted the choice of a chaperone for an intimate examination, with only 29% reporting that they would not want a chaperone present at all 4. Qualitative studies report some patients feel more embarrassed by the presence of a chaperone, whereas for other patients a chaperone made them feel more at ease 4 11. Considering this, many of these studies advocate the importance of patient choice 16.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A study of mostly female adolescents in Canada suggested that many would like to have a chaperone present for intimate examinations,4 but there is little data available on the typical use of chaperones for pubertal staging in paediatric practice. We undertook a survey of paediatricians and paediatric endocrinology nurse specialists (PENS) across the UK to establish confidence and training in pubertal staging, and typical practice in consent and chaperone use.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Confidence, consent and chaperones for pubertal staging examinations: a national survey

Moon

Davies

2022

Arch Dis Child

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ObjectiveGeneral Medical Council (GMC) guidance describes an intimate examination as one that may be embarrassing for the patient, for example, breast or genitalia examination. Documentation of consent and use of a trained impartial observer (chaperone) is recommended. Pubertal staging is often necessitated for assessment of growth and puberty. We assessed current practice of pubertal staging by paediatricians and paediatric endocrinology nurse specialists (PENS) in the UK.MethodsAn electronic survey was distributed to paediatricians (consultants and trainees) and PENS across the UK. The survey enquired about training received, confidence in and typical practice for pubertal staging examinations.Results235 responses were received. Low confidence in pubertal staging was commonly reported by trainees and consultants without an endocrinology interest.Most respondents consider pubertal staging to be an intimate examination for male (94.9%) and female (93.1%) patients. Consent to examination is always documented by 38.2% of respondents. 62.0% and 54.8% report always using a chaperone for male and female pubertal staging, respectively. However, many respondents use a parent as the chaperone. Few document the name of the chaperone used. Patient objections and availability of chaperones were commonly perceived barriers to chaperone use.ConclusionMost clinicians consider pubertal staging an intimate examination, but documentation of consent and use of formal chaperones is not standard practice. The use of a parent as a chaperone was common but is not recommended by the GMC. Local chaperone policies should address these issues to protect patients and clinicians.

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“…The access to such assistance seems particularly valuable for minor patients, and the research conducted in Canada included both medical staff and family members in this role. According to the surveyed girls, a chaperone guarantees additional safety (65%), provides emotional (63%) and informative (55%) support, and can even speak up for patients (44%) [19].…”

Section: Sense Of Uneasiness Related To a Gynaecologist Appointmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patients’ opinions on gynaecologists – experiences and assessments

Dudkowski-Sadowska

2018

Polish Journal of Public Health

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Over the last few years, relatively close attention has been paid to analysing the attitudes of women to routine health check-ups and their knowledge of the risks associated with cervical cancer and breast cancer. What could also provide inspiring insights for scientific exploration, not only in the context of prevention, are the relationships between gynaecologists and their patients, gynaecologist appointment experiences, and satisfaction with care quality. It is important to note that the fear of the gynaecologist could be a serious barrier for women, and having a doctor they can trust has a positive impact on the regularity of their appointments. At the same time, negative experiences associated with the uneasy and perhaps embarrassing gynaecological examination, or doctor’s behaviour, are by no means the only reasons why women avoid such appointments. This article presents an up-to-date overview of the use of gynaecological care in Poland, along with findings from selected western studies.

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Thanks for asking: Adolescent attitudes and preferences regarding the use of chaperones during physical examinations

Abstract: Although there was variation in adolescents' attitudes and preferences regarding the use of chaperones, many females indicated a desire to discuss the option of a chaperone for all types of examinations.

Cited by 8 publications

References 11 publications

Chaperone Use During Plastic Surgery Physical Examinations

Chaperone Use During Plastic Surgery Physical Examinations

Confidence, consent and chaperones for pubertal staging examinations: a national survey

Patients’ opinions on gynaecologists – experiences and assessments

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