Written by Hannah Harp
Spoon Feed
The AAP released a policy statement about the use of chaperones for pediatric and adolescent encounters. Here’s what you need to know.
Be safe out there…
- All clinical practice settings should develop a policy around pediatric chaperones, specifying recommendations by patient age and exam type (e.g. inspection, palpation, or instrumentation).
- The policy should prioritize patient safety and comfort but should also take into account clinical staffing and optimizing workflow while a staff member is used as a chaperone.
- First choice for a chaperone would be a member of the clinical staff, and they should be trained to observe the chaperoned procedure directly and document.
- When using trainees as chaperones, refer to the policies of their training program.
- Using a parent as a chaperone can increase patient comfort, but increases clinical liability.
- Clinicians should use an opt-out approach for chaperone use to avoid power imbalances. Shared decision-making should be documented.
- Telemedicine visits that require a sensitive exam should be converted to in-person visits when possible.
- Extra attention to providing trauma-informed care should be given when the patient is in the foster or legal care system, has a history of trauma or abuse, or has an intellectual disability. The use of a chaperone is strongly recommended in these situations.
How will this change my practice?
I’ll be bringing up this policy statement to leadership. I’m not certain we have a chaperone policy for pediatrics specifically, and I’m sure that there is no plan in place to maintain workflow while a medical assistant is serving as a chaperone.
Source
Use of Chaperones for the Pediatric and Adolescent Encounter: Policy Statement. Pediatrics. 2025 Jun 1;155(6):e2025071810. doi: 10.1542/peds.2025-071810. PMID: 40383537
