Consent and intimate examinations

ByDr Edward Farnan

Published21 December 2017

The correct use of a chaperone can make the difference between a contented patient and receiving a complaint, a claim or even an allegation of sexual assault. Here's what you need to know.

The presence of an impartial chaperone during intimate examinations can provide both protection and reassurance for patient and doctor alike.

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Dr Edward Farnan

Medico-legal adviser

MB BCh BAO LLM FRCGP DGM DCH DRCOG Dr Farnan graduated from Queen's University, Belfast, in 1995 and completed his GP training in Northern Ireland, practising as a principal in general practice in Armagh for 11 years. He also sat on a research ethics committee, and had a particular interest in clinical governance.