CHAPERONE POLICY

Fit 2 Fly Medicals is committed to providing a safe, comfortable environment where clients can be confident that best practice is being followed at all times and the safety of everyone is of paramount importance.

This Chaperone Policy adheres to local and national guidance. The Chaperone Policy is clearly advertised and can be read upon request.

All clients are entitled to have a chaperone present for any consultation, examination or procedure where they consider one is required. The chaperone may be a family member or friend, but on occasions a formal chaperone may be preferred.

Examinees are advised to ask for a chaperone if required, at the time of booking an appointment, if possible, so that arrangements can be made and the appointment is not delayed in any way. The Aero Medical Examiner may also require a chaperone to be present for certain consultations.

All trained chaperones understand their role and responsibilities and are competent to perform that role.

There is no common definition of a chaperone and their role varies considerably depending on the needs of the patient, the AME and the examination being carried out.

Their role can be considered in any of the following areas:

• Assist in examination
• Assist in undressing
• Act as interpreter
• Protection to AME against allegations / attack)

Checklist for consultations involving intimate examinations for Class 1 AME and Class 2 where applicable

• Chaperones are most often required or requested where a male examiner is carrying out an intimate examination or procedure on a female client, but the designation of the chaperone will depend on the role expected of them, whether participating in the procedure or providing a supportive role.
• Establish there is a genuine need for an intimate examination and discuss this with the client and whether a formal chaperone is needed.  Only nurses or HCA’s will be used, therefore there may be the need to wait if the chaperone has not been requested prior to the appointment or should it be felt that an intimate examination is required.
• Explain to the client why an examination is necessary and give the patient an opportunity to ask questions. The chaperone would normally be the same sex as the patient and the patient will have the opportunity to decline a particular person as a chaperone, if that person is considered not acceptable for any reason.
• Offer a chaperone or invite the patient to have a family member / friend present.
• If the examinee does not want a chaperone, record that the offer was made and declined in the clients notes.
• Obtain the examinees consent before the examination and be prepared to discontinue the examination at any stage at the examinees request.
• Record that permission has been obtained in the examinee notes.
• Once the chaperone has entered the room, they should be introduced by name and the examinee allowed privacy to undress / dress. Use drapes / curtains where possible to maintain dignity. There should be no undue delay prior to examination once the examinee has removed any clothing.
• Explain what is being done at each stage of the examination, the outcome when it is complete and what is proposed to be done next. Keep discussion relevant and avoid personal comment.
• If a chaperone has been present, record that fact and the identity of the chaperone in the examinees notes.
• During the examination, the chaperone may be needed to offer reassurance, remain alert to any indication of distress but should be courteous at all times.
• Record any other relevant issues or concerns in the examinees notes, immediately following the consultation.
• Chaperones should only attend the part of the consultation that is necessary – other verbal communication should be carried out when the chaperone has left.
• Any request that the examination be discontinued should be respected.
• AME’s should note that they are at an increased risk of their actions being misconstrued or misrepresented, if they conduct intimate examinations where no other person is present.