title: Use of chaperones in the urology outpatient setting: a patient's choice in a "patient-centred" service.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of a chaperone in the clinical setting is a much debated subject. There have been many guidelines and papers written on this topic, but always from the medical profession's point of view. For the first time, this survey focuses on the opinion of the patient.
  
  
  METHODS
  800 consecutive patients attending the urology outpatient clinic were asked to complete a questionnaire on basic patient demographics and their opinions on chaperones.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 709 patients who completed the questionnaires, 553 (78%) were male. Overall, 535 (75.5%) patients did not want a chaperone present. Only 66 (42%) females stated a preference for the presence of a chaperone. Of the 174 patients requesting a chaperone, 102 (59%) patients wished the role to be taken by a friend or family member. 90% of these patients attended with the appropriate person.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most patients do not want a chaperone present for intimate examinations. Most women do not wish to have a chaperone present. Of those who do wish to have a chaperone present, more than half want a family member or friend to fill the role. This would be against current guidelines. However, in a "patient-centred" service, these results should be taken into consideration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.forename: Thiru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gunendran
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pearce
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010354:Patient Escort Service; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014572:Urology / Q000458:organization & administration*