--- title: Using Medical Chaperones to Create a Safer Patient Experience description: Medical chaperones can help provide a safe and comfortable clinical encounter for both patient and physician and may reduce the likelihood of a sexual misconduct allegation based on a misunderstanding. image: https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Resources/NORCAL_SR_Medical-Chaperones_thumb.png --- - [Sign In](https://secure.proassurance.com?hsLang=en-us) - g Search Site [Contact Us](https://www.proassurance.com/contact-us/?hsLang=en-us): **844-466-7225** [![PRA-MMI-Logo®-RGB](https://www.norcal-group.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PRA-MMI-Logo%C2%AE-RGB.png?width=215&height=62&name=PRA-MMI-Logo%C2%AE-RGB.png)](https://www.norcal-group.com?hsLang=en-us)   - [About](https://norcal-group.com/about) - [About Us](https://norcal-group.com/about) - [Coverages](https://norcal-group.com/state) - [Claims](https://www.proassurance.com/report-a-claim/) - [Resources](https://www.norcal-group.com/resources) - [HIPAA Resources](https://proassurance.com/hipaa) - [Website Accessibility](https://proassurance.com/accessibility) - [Pay](https://www.norcal-group.com/pay) ## [Resource Library](https://www.norcal-group.com/library?hsLang=en-us) # Using Medical Chaperones to Create a Safer Patient Experience May 15, 2019 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The healthcare setting often involves sensitive and intimate exams that present challenges other businesses don’t face. Medical chaperones can help provide a level of comfort for patients and may help ensure the best possible experience for patients and providers alike. In so doing, the likelihood of a sexual misconduct allegation based on a misunderstanding is greatly reduced.1 ## Sexual Harassment a Risk for Both Patient and Physician [![Thumbnail of the special report on using medical chaperones to create a safer patient experience](https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Resources/NORCAL_SR_Medical-Chaperones_thumb.png) **Download the Special Report**](https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Resources/NORCAL_SR_Medical-Chaperones.pdf) **Concerns** - Average indemnity payment in claims involving improper sexual conduct by a physician: $131,2953 - Physicians who said they had been sexually harassed by a patient: 27%4 **Challenges** - Ensuring a safe and comfortable clinical encounter for both patient and physician **Best Practices** - Risk management recommendations for incorporating medical chaperones into the clinical encounter   ## References 1. NORCAL Group Risk Management CME webinar. “Professionalism and Utilization of Medical Chaperones: Avoiding Allegations of Familiarity/Sexual Impropriety.” 10/10/2018. 2. American Medical Association. “[Use of Chaperones: Code of Medical Ethics Opinion 1.2.4.](https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ethics/use-chaperones)” (accessed 2/19/19) 3. Medical Professional Liability Association (MPL) Data Sharing Project. Sexual misconduct allegations and claims data (2006–2015) as reported by member carriers, including NORCAL Group companies. Used with permission. 4. Leslie Kane. “[Patients Sexually Harassing Physicians: Report 2018](https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/patients-sexually-harassing-physicians-6010036).” Medscape, 7/11/2018. 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