Chaperone (clinical)

In clinical medicine a chaperone is a person whose has a role to witness both a patient and a medical practitioner and to be a safeguard for both parties during a medical examination or precedure. The exact role of a chaperone will vary according to the clinical situation.

Chaperones are widely used for gynecological and other intimate examinations. A chaperone may support the patient with reassurance and emotional support during a procedure or examination that the patient may find embarrassing or uncomfortable.

As a witness, the chaperone can help the doctor disprove unfounded allegations having been present during a procedure and witnessed continuing consent. A chaperone can also help the doctor with practical help during an examination or procedure, or protect the doctor from physical attack.