Chaperone utilization in genitourinary examinations: current practices and urologist perspectives

Medical chaperones are increasingly utilized during sensitive physical examinations across medical specialties.1 The use of chaperones is especially relevant to reproductive/sexual medicine, as the field routinely involves genitourinary examinations. Chaperones are intended to observe the clinical interaction, with the goal of protecting both the patient and physician. For patients, the chaperone provides increased comfort and can serve as a patient advocate. For physicians, the chaperone provides medicolegal protection by serving as a witness to the encounter. Research is limited regarding patient and provider perspectives on chaperones. Additionally, there are currently no urologic guidelines for chaperone use. In 2023, our institution implemented a mandatory chaperone policy for all genitourinary examinations. It is important to understand current practice patterns regarding the use of chaperones as well as the impact of chaperone policies on urologists’ practice. The purpose of this study was: (1) to assess our department’s experience with the mandated usage of medical chaperones during genitourinary examinations, and (2) to assess the use of and sentiment towards chaperone use within the community of reproductive/sexual medicine specialists, as a group who perform regular sensitive exams.