Intimate examinations
Perceptions about intimate examinations may differ in maternity settings compared with other areas of care because these examinations are more common.
This understandably causes concern for patients who can feel that their consent for the examination has been assumed. As a result, they may not fully understand the examination that’s being undertaken, its purpose or their ability to ask questions or withdraw consent.
No matter how frequent intimate examinations might be in maternity settings, the process around explaining the examination and seeking a patient’s consent remain exactly the same as any other area of care.
We make clear in the professional standards on intimate examinations and chaperones, that you must obtain a patient’s consent – or have other valid authority – before carrying out an intimate examination and record that the patient has given it. This upholds a patient’s autonomy and is reinforced by standards and guidance for patients produced by Birthrights, as well as from public health bodies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Our professional standards
14. You must not carry out, or supervise, an intimate examination on an anaesthetised patient without them providing explicit consent – this applies in all scenarios, including for educational purposes. The only exception to this is if an intimate examination is in the patient’s best interests and they’re unable to give consent.
