Chaperone Practice: Global vis-a-vis Indian Scenario

Intimate examination is one area of medical practice where the gender of patient as well as the doctor has a significant influence on patient preferences and has been a subject of controversy for many years. Allegations are increasing day by day of unprofessional conduct while examining a female patient by the doctors, which ultimately creates an unpleasant situation in the hospital premises. Professional career of the doctor is also jeopardized and in some situations, morality is disturbed when the physician becomes victim of such situations. Moreover, faith of the patients upon their physicians; which is the backbone of doctor-patient relationship; is also being compromised following such events. Hence, to overcome such situations, guidelines have been incorporated by western countries to use a chaperone during intimate examination. Main aim of such chaperoning is to safeguard patients as well as doctors during embarrassing examination. Concept of using such impartial third person during intimate examination under some strict guidelines has not yet been implemented in India. Hence, it is utmost important to have some guidelines in relation to chaperoning a patient during intimate examination.