Abstract

DHAI, Ames et al. Professionalism and the intimate examination - are chaperones the answer?. SAMJ, S. Afr. med. j. [online]. 2011, vol.101, n.11, pp.814-816. ISSN 2078-5135.

Complaints of sexual impropriety against health care practitioners are escalating. Professionalism in the practitioner-patient relationship and the role-based trust in health care do not allow crossing of sexual boundaries. Communication with patients is key to prevent erroneous allegations of sexual misconduct. The intimate examination is difficult to define. A chaperone present during an intimate examination protects the patient and practitioner and should be considered a risk reduction strategy in practice.

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