Chaperone policy for Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
A chaperone is an impartial adult who is present during a patient examination and or
treatment. The role is to observe and protect a patientā€™s dignity and confidentiality
and provide reassurance and emotional support.
For physiotherapists, a chaperone may safeguard against potential
misunderstanding or unfounded allegations of improper behaviour.
For the patient, chaperones act as an advocate, ensuring that any examinations and
procedures are conducted appropriately. If the chaperone detects any unusual or
unacceptable behaviour, they should report this immediately.
Family members and children must not be used as chaperones.
All individuals undertaking chaperoning roles should be educated, trained and
competent in the task/role to be observed.
A chaperone will be offered to all patients before any examination involving the
pelvic floor complex or internal examination. If no chaperone is available and the
patient does not want the examination to go ahead without a chaperone present, the
examination should be delayed.
During the examination
Obtaining informed consent from the patient is essential before any examination or
procedure. Before the examination/treatment, the nature and purpose will be
explained to the patient.
Recording the decision
Any discussion about a chaperone and the outcome, will be recorded in the notes. If
a chaperone is present , this will be recorded in the notes with the identity of the
chaperone. If the chaperone is declined by the patient, then a note of a chaperone
being offered and declined will be recorded in the notes.
This information was taken from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, 2023
available at https://www.csp.org.uk/frontline/article/using-chaperones.
