Many patients will want a chaperone in the room for an intimate examination so practices risk upsetting patients and damaging their trust if they don’t offer this. However, it’s equally important to clearly explain the role of a chaperone in case patients are uncomfortable with the idea. And having a chaperone is no substitute for a clear and sensitive explanation of why the examination is necessary and what it will involve, as well as taking steps to  safeguard patients’ privacy and dignity before, during and after the examination eg providing a screen so they can undress.  

From a clinician’s perspective, the presence of a chaperone could discourage unfounded allegations of inappropriate behaviour and even sexual assault although such accusations are extremely rare. 

A clear and well-advertised chaperone policy can reassure patients and support staff. It may also help the smooth running of the practice by prompting patients to request a chaperone when they book an appointment so the practice can arrange this in advance, rather than try to find someone suitable at the time. Regulators like the CQC expect providers to have an up-to-date policy and practices have been criticised for not meeting their obligations. 

Here’s a selection of the available guidance on chaperones

• The CQC’s chaperone mythbuster is aimed at GP providers
• The GMC has supporting guidance on Intimate examinations and chaperones. While the GDC’s standards guidance doesn’t reference chaperones it does say dental professionals “should work with another appropriately trained member of the dental team at all times when treating patients in a dental setting” although there are specific exceptions (para 6.2.2).
• The MDU has produced a guide to chaperones and also an eLearning course for members.

Offering patients a chaperone before an intimate examination is now routine for most practices, but some aspects of chaperone policy can be less straightforward. Here are six misconceptions that can trip up staff and patients – we recommend that you address these points in your chaperone policy.

1.       Chaperones are only there to observe

While the purpose of a chaperone is to be an impartial observer during an examination, they are also there to ensure the patient’s dignity and confidentiality are respected, offer emotional support and reassurance to the patient if show signs of distress or discomfort and must be able to ask questions or raise concerns appropriately. Although a chaperone is there to protect the patient, their presence as a witness can also protect the clinician from unfounded allegations.

When a chaperone is present, this should be documented in the clinical records, along with their name and full job title.

2.       Anyone can be a chaperone

Given the role is more complex than being a witness, the GMC expects that a chaperone will usually be a health professional who has trained for the role and understands what’s involved in the proposed examination. It’s important that the chaperone has a good understanding of how the examination is usually carried out and knows how to raise concerns if they have any. Someone in a clinical role will also have a current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate, as required by the CQC.

Although a relative or friend of the patient may offer to be a chaperone, they probably won’t have this knowledge and while clinicians and staff may not feel adequately protected. However, they can still attend alongside the chaperone if the patient requests their support. 

3.       Chaperones are only needed for intimate examinations

The option of a chaperones should always be offered before an intimate examination of the breast, genitalia and rectum but they may also be needed for other types of physical examination. Some patients can also feel vulnerable when it’s necessary to undress or expose parts of their body or where a clinician needs to be close eg using an ophthalmoscope in a darkened room.

Encourage practice clinicians to use their professional judgement about whether to suggest the presence of a chaperone in these cases. Explaining what the examination involves when obtaining consent is a good opportunity to assess the patient's views and level of anxiety.

4.      A chaperone must always be present during intimate examinations

Patients have a right to refuse a chaperone but if a clinician is unwilling to proceed without one, they must explain why. If the patient still wants to go ahead, the clinician may want to refer them to a practice colleague, provided this wouldn’t cause a delay that would adversely affect their health.

If the patient doesn’t want a chaperone, the discussion and their decision should be recorded in their notes.

5.      The patient’s gender is important

It’s wrong to assume that male patients are less in need of a chaperone or that a female patient won’t need one for an examination by a female doctor – in our experience there can still be complaints about the appropriateness of examinations, even when the patient and clinician are the same gender. Instead, it’s the type of examination being carried out and the patient’s wishes that determine whether a chaperone should be present.  

Ideally, a chaperone will be the same gender as the patient but this isn’t always practical. If a patient is unhappy with the chaperone offered, don’t put them under pressure to proceed without one. If it’s clinically appropriate, consider whether it would be better to ask the patient to return when a chaperone of the same gender is available. Covering this point in your chaperone policy can help manage patients' expectations and encourage them to make their wishes known in advance.

6.      A chaperone isn’t required for remote consultations

In most cases it won’t be clinically appropriate or practical to conduct an intimate examination by video but if the clinician and patient decide to proceed, the GMC says that the principle of offering a trained chaperone still applies. It adds that doctors “should also consider whether there are alternative ways to diagnose the patient’s condition. These could include showing the patient images of the condition or symptom they suspect they are experiencing, or asking patients to describe rashes, or lumps.”

Practices should provide information about how recorded video consultation are stored securely as part of the patient’s clinical record. 

As an MDU Connect policy holder, you and your team have access to expert medico-legal and dento-legal guidance and support. 
We encourage you to address issues early to pre-empt problems, so contact us for specific advice or explore our resources. 

This page was correct at publication on 9th September 2025. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.