THE CHAPERONE IN A THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP: A CRITICAL DISCUSSION

A chaperone is encouraged to be present in any medical consultation especially when an intimate examination is required. This impartial attendant could be reassuring to the patient especially when gender is an issue and avoids any perceived conflict that may arise in the patient-physician relationship. Situations in which a chaperone is not available or declined by the patient present unique ethical problems and need to be avoided. When a chaperone is declined doctors are in a dilemma in proceeding with an intimate examination. This critical discussion explores the noble relationship between doctor and patient and how circumstances may change when both parties independently or otherwise deviate from established guidelines in affording treatment to the patient.