Patients' attitudes regarding chaperones during physical examinations

Area of Science:

• Medical Practice
• Patient Experience
• Clinical Examination

Background:

• Investigated patient preferences for chaperones during physical examinations.
• Examined differences in preference based on patient sex and age.
• Assessed the influence of physician's sex on chaperone preference.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine patient preferences for chaperone presence during physical examinations.
• To quantify preference differences between male and female patients, and teenagers and adults.
• To ascertain if the examining physician's sex impacts chaperone preference.

Main Methods:

• Survey data collected from 452 patients (251 female, 201 male) aged 13+.
• Participants visited a midwestern urban family practice center.
• Data focused on preferences during breast, genital, rectal, heart, lung, and abdominal exams.

Main Results:

• Majority of patients showed no preference for a chaperone.
• Significant percentages of women (29% adult, 46% teen) preferred a chaperone for breast, pelvic, or rectal exams by a male physician.
• Teenagers preferred a parent as chaperone, while adults favored a nurse.

Conclusions:

• While most patients are indifferent, offering chaperones is crucial for female patients, especially teenagers.
• Female patients, particularly teenagers, should have the option of a chaperone during sensitive exams by male physicians.
• Patient comfort and autonomy in requesting chaperones are important considerations.