Chaperones & Consent

This online training course is designed to enhance healthcare professionals’ understanding and application of chaperoning and consent within clinical practice. Ensuring informed consent and appropriate use of chaperones are both legal and ethical imperatives in healthcare settings. This course explores the principles, professional standards, and legislation surrounding these areas, supporting learners to deliver care that is safe, respectful, and legally compliant.

The course examines when and how to obtain valid consent, how to manage refusals, the role and responsibilities of chaperones, and the implications of failing to follow best practice. Real-world scenarios and case studies are included to deepen practical understanding and to promote reflective practice.

By the end of this course, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to appropriately manage consent and chaperoning situations, helping to safeguard both patients and practitioners.

Introduction

• Summary of the course aims

• Learning Outcomes

Legislation & Expert Organisations

• Summary of key legislation: Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act 1998 etc

• Key expert organisations: General Medical Council, Care Quality Commission etc

Consent

• What is a Chaperone and Consent?

• When is Consent required?

• Types of Consent

• Why is Consent essential?

Chaperone

• What is a Chaperone?

• When should a Chaperone be used?

• Best practice

Implications of failing to follow Consent and Chaperoning Guidelines

• Legal consequences

• Patient Harm

• Professional Repercussions

• Organisational Impact

When can treatment be given without Consent

• Case studies

• Quick Recap

• Scenarios