The need for chaperones. Is greatest during intimate examination.

Abstract

The need for chaperones Is greatest during intimate examination EDITOR,-Arie Speelman and colleagues are inaccurate in stating that "the defence organisations strongly advise both female and male doctors always to use a chaperone."' The Medical Protection Society has long advised that a chaperone should ideally be present when intimate examinations are performed. Each year a small number (perhaps 10 or 20) practitioners in Britain receive visits from police officers who are investigating allegations of indecent assault. Most such allegations could have been avoided had a chaperone been present at the examination in question.