Chaperones in ENT out-patients; the patients' perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical ethics
• Patient experience
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Medical consultations, particularly intimate examinations, carry a risk of misunderstandings and false accusations of sexual misconduct against healthcare professionals.
• Such allegations can severely damage a doctor's reputation, leading to professional sanctions and legal consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient experiences and preferences regarding the use of chaperones during Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) outpatient consultations.
• To investigate factors influencing patient preference for chaperones, especially during procedures like otoscopy requiring close physical proximity.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 85 patients attending ENT outpatient clinics.
• The survey assessed patient experiences and preferences for chaperone presence during consultations and examinations, including otoscopy under a microscope.

Main Results:

• Up to 30% of patients expressed a preference for a chaperone during ENT consultations.
• A higher proportion of male patients than female patients indicated a preference for a chaperone.
• A strong positive correlation was observed between the presence of friends/relatives and the preference for a chaperone.

Conclusions:

• Patient preference for chaperones in ENT clinics is significant and influenced by factors beyond the commonly assumed male doctor-female patient dynamic.
• The study supports the principle of patient autonomy, advocating for the freedom to choose whether or not to have a chaperone present.
• Chaperone necessity should be considered in various patient-doctor scenarios, not exclusively in high-risk demographic pairings.