Whilst allegations of inappropriate examination happen to both males and females, by both males and females, evidence suggests a higher rate of allegations against male doctors by female patients. In addition, there may be concerns the patient has an interest in the doctor outside their professional relationship – as in Scenario B above. patients who are known to have previously suffered rape or sexual abuseĬoncerns might arise if the patient has a history of violent behaviour – particularly in an out-of-hours or domestic setting. ![]() Some of the reasons GPs give for feeling discomfort around carrying out an intimate examination on a patient without a chaperone present are focussed around the vulnerability of a patient. Why might these doctors feel uncomfortable? The patient refuses a chaperone and proceeding with the examination concerns her as he made some personal comments about her appearance at the previous consultations which has caused her to feel boundaries are blurring. Scenario B: The female GP in a consultation with a male patient with whom she has begun to feel a little ill at ease over the past few consultations and is now presenting with symptoms indicating the requirement of a testicular examination. The patient insists that she would prefer her friend to remain with her during a required breast exam and refuses the offer of a practice chaperone. Scenario A: What about the male GP who consults with a teenage patient who has brought her friend along for moral support. Particularly those cases where a doctor has felt some discomfort about carrying out an examination without a colleague chaperone, has offered a chaperone to the patient, but then the patient has refused. ![]() ![]() My recent blog on offering chaperones when undertaking intimate examinations sparked some discussion here over cases we have encountered.
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