Chaperone at breast appointment

[DontKnowWhatToThink7]

I had a breast examination today as I have found lump. As the Dr was a man he requested a chaperone be in the room, which I agreed with. The chaperone came behind the curtain and watched me get examined, I understand that the chaperone is meant to be in the room but are they meant to watch you? She was standing right where my head was and looking down at me and it made me uncomfortable.

I'm ready to be told that this is a completely normal practice but as I haven't experienced it before I thought I would ask here.

Thanks in advance.

Well she’s meant to be checking the Doctor is behaving himself so I guess she has to watch.

From the doctor's perspective, the chaperone would have to be there, and witnessing the examination, actually beside you. otherwise there would be no point. The patient could still claim something untoward happened, if the chaperone was on the other side of the curtain.

I've only had a female doctor, so not experienced your situation, but it makes sense.

Yeah she would have to be able to see what went on in order to vouch for the doc if necessary.

I would have thought they'd have to watch otherwise what would be the point of them being there?

She has to see exactly what the doctor is doing

Thanks for the responses it does make sense.

My chaprone (it was a nurse) stood diagonal behind the doctor and could see my chest and breasts and what he was doing.

I thought that was the whole point of having her in the room (well, apart from her then making the notes while he talked to me).

Saying that, I am extremely unfussed about examinations and don't mind them.

Yea totally normal, they have to be able to see what the doctor is doing in order to provide the ‘correct’ chaperone service.

Yep I’m a doctor. I also sometimes chaperone for colleagues. I need to be able to see what they’re doing. Then if an accusation is made I can be sure that nothing untoward happened.

It’s also to protect the doctor really not the patient. I’m a female doctor but always get a chaperone. You never know what could happen.