Cloud_Strife
Sexy Member
A nice response by Freddie53. The maintaining of rapport between patient and medical professional is always very important. This is particularly so when it comes to intimate examinations, where the majority of patients can be quite sensitive (especially when it comes to adolescents). What DC mentioned in one of the earlier posts also outlines the whole purpose of the examination quite well.
Parents/guardians are usually present for adolescents under the age of 16, as per the Gillick competency test. It is also common medical practice to have a chaperone present in situations such as the one discussed in this thread, especially where the patient's parent/guardian may not be present. In the case where parents do attend in the examination room, it is not unusual for physicians to place a screen between the patient and any others in the room to maintain their privacy.
I am currently undergoing medical training in Australia. Of the doctor surgeries/procedures/examinations/etc I have attended, physicians usually have a quick discussion with the adolescent patient and with any accompanying adult family members who may be present, as to whether the patient is comfortable with their parent/guardian attending if examinations are required. Usually a nurse will attend if the patient wishes family not to be present. Most of the adolescents I have been present with seem to appear quite comfortable with the fact that it is a medical practitioner who is conducting the examination. Embarassment is a normal response, but the patients seem quite understanding.
As an example, I was once attending a consultation where a 15 year old adolescent boy came to my mentor's surgery with his mother. He had a skin lesion. My mentor quite professionally and tactfully approached both and asked what arrangements they wanted for the examination. The patient requested the parent to be present, but with a screen in place. Permission was also requested for a nurse to attend by the doctor, which was granted. The nurse served only as an observer.
Unfortunately, litigation seems to be much more widespread in medical practice nowadays, in comparison to years previously. The legal side of medical practice is now highly stressed in medical schools in Australia (and no doubt, globally also). Medical indemnity and medical defence organisations stress the importance of chaperone use, as a witness in the events that allegations do arise, if not for physical and emotional assistance to the doctor and patient as well! Given the size and number of patients attending certain surgeries, sometimes chaperones are not present. This is often when situations can get sticky if accusations are made.
Cheers.
Parents/guardians are usually present for adolescents under the age of 16, as per the Gillick competency test. It is also common medical practice to have a chaperone present in situations such as the one discussed in this thread, especially where the patient's parent/guardian may not be present. In the case where parents do attend in the examination room, it is not unusual for physicians to place a screen between the patient and any others in the room to maintain their privacy.
I am currently undergoing medical training in Australia. Of the doctor surgeries/procedures/examinations/etc I have attended, physicians usually have a quick discussion with the adolescent patient and with any accompanying adult family members who may be present, as to whether the patient is comfortable with their parent/guardian attending if examinations are required. Usually a nurse will attend if the patient wishes family not to be present. Most of the adolescents I have been present with seem to appear quite comfortable with the fact that it is a medical practitioner who is conducting the examination. Embarassment is a normal response, but the patients seem quite understanding.
As an example, I was once attending a consultation where a 15 year old adolescent boy came to my mentor's surgery with his mother. He had a skin lesion. My mentor quite professionally and tactfully approached both and asked what arrangements they wanted for the examination. The patient requested the parent to be present, but with a screen in place. Permission was also requested for a nurse to attend by the doctor, which was granted. The nurse served only as an observer.
Unfortunately, litigation seems to be much more widespread in medical practice nowadays, in comparison to years previously. The legal side of medical practice is now highly stressed in medical schools in Australia (and no doubt, globally also). Medical indemnity and medical defence organisations stress the importance of chaperone use, as a witness in the events that allegations do arise, if not for physical and emotional assistance to the doctor and patient as well! Given the size and number of patients attending certain surgeries, sometimes chaperones are not present. This is often when situations can get sticky if accusations are made.
In short, I have found all my mentors highly professional. There has been no 'event', as such - all the examinations and other procedures are conducted to make the patient as comfortable as possible.
Cheers.
