Support People, Chaperones, and Observers
Policy
Everyone should feel safe, respected, and comfortable in a consultation.
Either the clinician or patient may request that other people are present (in-person or remotely) to ensure their safety, privacy, and dignity. This may include:
- Support person or people: Patients have the right to bring one or more support people, e.g. family/whānau or friends.
- Chaperone: A trained person requested by either patient or clinician to support safety and comfort, e.g. during intimate examinations.
- Observers: Someone attending the consultation for training or professional development (CPD).
- Students: Someone training to be a healthcare professional.
In situations where there are concerns about safety or misunderstandings, Test Medical Centre Cornerstone may require another clinical staff member to be present in all consultations with a patient.
Another person attending with the patient
For support:
- Patients are welcome to bring one or more support people, family, or whānau to support them during the consultation. This is a
patient right. An exception may be made where this compromises safety or another patient's rights. - Support people may be present for all or part of a consultation.
- It may be appropriate to ask a support person to step out of the room if the patient doesn't seem comfortable providing personal health information in their presence.
- We display information in the reception area about the patient's right to have support people present during a consultation.
As an interpreter:
- To ensure the patient can fully understand the information given.
Another person attending with the clinician
Clinicians may request another person attends the consultation.
As an observer:
- for continuing professional development to provide input or feedback
- when observation is a requirement for training.
As a chaperone:
An independent person may be present during the consultation:
- for the comfort of both patient and clinician during an intimate examination
- where it is a condition of their registration
- if a patient's behaviour is threatening or if there is risk of misunderstandings.
Where there is a concern about safety or the risk of misunderstandings, Test Medical Centre Cornerstone may require another clinical staff member to be present during all consultations with a patient. This should be explained to the patient in writing, and documented in the PMS.
Disputes and declines
Where possible, we respect the patient's right to choose who is present at their consultation.
If agreement can't be reached, it may be necessary to delay the consultation. The consultation shouldn't go ahead if:
- either party doesn't want to proceed without a chaperone
- a chaperone is required for the clinician as a condition of registration
- a chaperone is required for the patient due to safety concerns.
If necessary, refer the patient to another clinician. Record in the PMS that the request was made and declined.
Guidelines
- Where possible, discuss having a chaperone present with the patient in private and ahead of time.
- If an observer or chaperone will attend, agree their level of involvement ahead of the consultation, including where that person will stand during an examination.
- Introduce observers or chaperones to the patient if not already known, and ensure the patient knows what that person's level of involvement will be.
- Document who was present in the room, including whether a chaperone was offered, whether a chaperone was requested for safety reasons, and the patient's acceptance.
Related policies
Resources
- MCNZ: When another person is available during a consultation
- RNZCGP: Chaperone poster (English) and (Te Reo)