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UPJ INSIGHT Patient Preferences Regarding Chaperone Sensitive Examinations

By: Syed M. Alam, MD; Mahnoor Malik, BS; Jeffrey Thompson, PhD; Moben Mirza, MD; Casey G. Kowalik, MD | Posted on: 01 Oct 2022

Alam SM, Malik M, Thompson J, Mirza M, Kowalik CG. Patient preferences regarding chaperone use for sensitive examinations. Urol Pract. 2022:9(5)379-388.

Study Need and Importance

Chaperones are routinely employed during sensitive or private physical examinations, many of which are common in the field of urology. Currently, no guidelines exist regarding chaperone use within the field of urology.

What We Found

We found that the majority of patients (52.9%) do not want a chaperone during sensitive examinations. Reasons for not wanting a chaperone included trust with the provider (80%), comfort with the physical examination (70.4%), and embarrassment/discomfort with having a chaperone present (33%). Several factors relating to the provider and type of examination were assessed for relative importance in a patient’s preference for having a chaperone present (see Figure).

Figure. Relative importance of provider factors affecting an individual’s desire to have a chaperone present (913 participants).

Limitations

Respondents to the survey primarily self-identified as female (71.5%), while urology patients tend to be predominately male. Also, most participants identified as Caucasian (86.0%) and had at least some college education (62.2%); therefore, generalizing these data to more at-risk (minority and less educated) populations is less impactful.

Interpretation for
Patient Care

The results of this study highlight the need for individualized care when it comes to chaperone use during sensitive examinations, which are a common aspect of urological care. Many variables play a role in whether a patient prefers to have a chaperone or not. We hope that the results of this study will provide new insight into the use of chaperones to promote patient-centered care and potentially guide future health care policy.

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