When to have chaperone for pelvic exam?

[prettyNURSEtoMD]

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Maybe a little TMI... But whatever I want to know how this is where you live. So just an observation. I'm an ER nurse and when we do pelvic exams or vaginal ultrasounds and Paps while I'm working in the clinic. I will 100% of the time chaperone the provider male or female for these exams. Today I went to see my PCP and she had no chaperone for my exam. What is this recommended practice or is it facility and physician preference because it all boils down to protecting the provide against any liability issues.

 

[mvenus929]

We are taught that we always need a chaperone for genital or breast exams. If it's in a teaching situation, the student and attending are an appropriate pair and you don't need the nurse.

 

[jvquarterback]

It's just a CYA thing. I'm male and always use a chaperone. It's a terrible waste of the MAs time when I do it but it's far better than ever having to face a law suit.

Most female physicians I know don't use a chaperone.

 

[touchpause13]

I've had a chaperone with female docs before. My female PCP now doesn't have one. I think it's personal preference along with the CYA thing

 

[Pose]

In the office I work in now every male uses a chaperone, and about half the female providers use one. In the ED I used to work in, 100% of the providers used a chaperone.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Some hospitals will have regulations but it is somewhat variable. When in doubt, CYA.

I fortunately never have to do pelvics these days but I do a lot of breast exams.

I always get a chaperone for new patient visits, but depending on the relationship with the patient don't always use a chaperone for follow-ups as it is usually neither practical nor necessary.

 

[gyngyn]

A chaperone is there to protect the provider from accusations of inappropriate behavior. Customs and policies regarding their use vary considerably.

 

[NontradCA]

We are taught that we always need a chaperone for genital or breast exams. If it's in a teaching situation, the student and attending are an appropriate pair and you don't need the nurse.

I know this isn't what you mean but I know a resident who had some of the corpsmen do practice breast exams on her.

Also know a PA who never used standbys and was accused of harassment/ genital exams when not appropriate. He was fired.