At UHS, we strive to create a trauma-informed culture of care for all students who access our services. We recognize that sensitive examinations are times when this commitment is especially important. One way we support this is by offering students the option to request a trained medical chaperone to be present during sensitive and near-sensitive exams to establish a safe and accountable clinical experience for student patients. This means that, in addition to the provider performing your exam, students can choose to have another trained clinical staff member present in the exam room to support their safety and comfort.
The medical chaperone’s role
The medical chaperone’s primary role is to observe the procedure and the patient. A medical chaperone may also communicate with the provider during the exam to ensure that the student is informed of the process, is comfortable throughout the exam, and that standardized operational procedures are followed.
A best practice across the country
Medical chaperones are considered a best practice in medical settings across the country, including at other college health centers. Standardizing this policy at UHS demonstrates our ongoing commitment to trauma-informed medical encounters, patient safety, provider professionalism, responsibility, accountability, and education.
What will a medical chaperone do?
During an exam, a medical chaperone will:
- Be courteous and sensitive to the patient
- Respect the patient’s dignity and confidentiality
- Be responsive and aware of the patient’s reactions including nonverbal and verbal indications of distress
- Stand in a location where they are able to observe the patient and the exam
- Be familiar with the exam or procedure
- Assist the provider to be aware of the patient experience if the provider’s field of vision is obstructed.
- Stop the exam if they identify concerning behavior or if the patient is in distress
Terms you may hear
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Sensitive exam
An examination, evaluation, palpation (touch), physical therapy for, placement of instruments in, or exposure of the patient’s genitalia, rectum, or breast/chest tissue.
Near-sensitive exam
An examination, evaluation, palpation (touch), physical therapy for, placement of instruments in, or exposure of body parts near the patient’s genitalia, rectum, or breast/chest tissue.
Clinical staff
Any UW-Madison employee who works at UHS and provides direct patient care. This includes, but is not limited to, physicians, registered nurses, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, medical assistants, emergency medical technicians, and advanced practice nurse prescribers.
Medical chaperone
A trained clinical staff member who supervises a sensitive exam or near-sensitive exam. A provider may serve as a medical chaperone for a medical student, resident or other trainee. The medical chaperone is not a support person. Patients can request a medical chaperone with a specific gender identity.
Video
What is a sensitive exam?
How can Survivor Services support you?
Report an incident
If a medical chaperone has a concern about the examination, they are required to immediately report to the Medical Director. Students also have the opportunity to report any concerns they have about their medical experiences in person or by phone to the Director of Medical Services or the Director of Operations.
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I would like to discuss a concern
Medical Chaperone Policy Concern
UHS takes all reports of misconduct seriously. We strive to create the safest space for patients to report concerning behavior or misconduct during a sensitive or near-sensitive exam. Patients can report in person or by phone to the Director of Medical Services or the Director of Operations, or complete the form below to be contacted by UHS.
Services for students
Survivor Services
Survivor Services provides free, confidential support services to student survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and/or stalking. Read our FAQs for more information.
Make an appointment
Patients and clients schedule appointments, review lab results, and securely communicate with providers. All students have a MyUHS account, even if you have never logged on to set yours up. Use your NetID and password to sign in.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a sensitive exam?
We define a sensitive exam as a physical examination of body parts that are typically covered by undergarments including breast/chest area, genitals, pubic and pelvic region, buttocks and anal/rectal area.
We recognize that every person has a unique experience of their body and may define sensitive body parts differently.
You can have a medical chaperone present for any type of exam for any reason. We encourage you to let us know if you have specific concerns or needs during your visit.
What should I expect during a sensitive exam?
During any exam, you have the right to know what physical contact may occur and why. Your provider should:
- Request your consent before any exam.
- Give professional explanations about each component.
- Communicate their actions in advance.
- Respect your privacy while you dress or undress and provide a gown.
- Perform the minimum amount of physical contact required for diagnosis and treatment.
- Utilize draping to minimize your exposure.
- Offer chances for you to ask questions or raise concerns.
Why does UHS have a medical chaperone policy?
UHS is standardizing a practice that is already in place and creating more opportunities for clarity around best practices while also ensuring that students are informed about the choices available to them.
Providing medical chaperones during sensitive exams is recommended as a best practice by the American Medical Association and American College Health Association and has been adopted by healthcare institutions throughout the country. The policy is in accordance with a nationwide effort to ensure safety and dignity for both patients and providers during sensitive exams.
What do medical chaperones provide?
The presence of a trained medical chaperone in the exam room can provide reassurance about the professional context and content of the exam. The medical chaperone also serves as a witness to the events taking place should there be any misunderstanding or concern for misconduct.
Can my friend or family member be the chaperone?
No, only trained UHS medical personnel can serve as medical chaperones. However, a friend or family member can be present during the exam if you would like them to be.
Can I request a chaperone of a specific gender?
You may request a medical chaperone of a specific gender, and UHS will attempt to accommodate that request. If UHS is unable to accommodate your request, you may:
- Continue with the appointment with a chaperone who is not of your preferred gender
- Reschedule the appointment to a time when we can accommodate the request
When will a medical chaperone enter and exit the exam room?
The medical chaperone will only be in the exam room during the sensitive portion of your exam.
Will a medical chaperone keep my information confidential?
Yes, a medical chaperone must maintain confidentiality unless misconduct has been witnessed by a medical chaperone. If this happens, a staff person would connect with the student to talk through next steps of the process.
Can I change my mind if I do or don't want a medical chaperone?
You can change your mind about whether you want a medical chaperone present at any time during the visit.
What if I don’t want a medical chaperone but my provider wants one present?
It is vitally important to us that you feel comfortable with and supported by the medical chaperone. Sometimes medical chaperones will be automatically provided as part of your visit. For example, some providers who have a different gender identity may request a medical chaperone who holds the same gender identity of the student seeking services. Please let us know if you prefer a different arrangement. We will do our best to accommodate your request. If we cannot, we will work with you to find a mutually agreed upon alternative option.
What happens if a medical chaperone or I want to stop the exam?
In the event that a sensitive exam or procedure is stopped, the medical chaperone and provider will leave the room. You will be provided the opportunity to get dressed and a member of medical leadership will enter the room to discuss what occurred and make you aware of your options.
Advocacy and/or other supports will be offered to you. Based on the information leadership receives about the incident, they may be bound by law and university policy to report to other campus entities.
You will be provided with confidential support options to navigate your rights, options, and resources.
What if I don’t feel right about my exam but I am unsure if it was misconduct?
There are resources available if you would like to talk through your experience with someone. You can find resources here: compliance.wisc.edu/titleix/student-information/.
How do I report misconduct?
You can report misconduct by phone. Call 608-265-5600 (option 1) and ask to speak to the UHS Director of Medical Services or the UHS Risk Manager. You can also report via the form linked above.
Where can I find more information?
Confidential, no-cost medical, mental health, and advocacy services are available through UHS Survivor Services.