Skip to content

Consultation on Standard of Practice - Physical Examinations and Procedures

Thank you for taking the opportunity to provide feedback on our draft Standard of Practice.

Your input will inform the Standard of Practice and ensure that it:
  • reflects current practice issues,
  • embodies the duties of medical professionalism, and
  • is consistent with the College’s mandate to act in the public interest.
Please note: All feedback collected through this survey is anonymous.

A complete copy of the draft Standard of Practice can be found HERE. We encourage you to review the draft prior to completing this survey.
1.Which best describes you? (select all that apply)
2.The draft Standard of Practice states:

During a physical examination or procedure, a College Registrant must:
  • Stop the examination if consent is withdrawn. If there are any obvious non-verbal cues of withdrawal of consent, confirm consent before continuing.
  • Explain any changes to the scope of the examination or procedure and seek consent prior to proceeding.
  • Not assist the patient with the adjustment or removal of clothing unless the patient consents.
  • Only expose the area of the patient’s body specifically related to the physical examination or procedure.
  • Refrain from making remarks or gestures which could be interpreted by the patient as demeaning or sexualized.
Are these expectations clear and reasonable?
3.The draft Standard of Practice states:

Patients must have the option of having a chaperone present during all sensitive examinations.

College Registrants must explain the role of the chaperone to the patient and seek their consent before the chaperone enters the examination area. The presence of the chaperone should be documented in the patient’s medical record.

College Registrants must be satisfied that the chaperone:
  • Understands their role;
  • Has received the necessary training in privacy and confidentiality;
  • Is familiar with the examination involved or briefed in advance; and
  • Can observe the examination, as much as practical without obstructing the examination or interfering with the patient’s dignity.

Are these expectations clear and reasonable?
4.The draft Standard of Practice states:

College Registrants have the option to request the presence of a chaperone for an examination or procedure. If the patient declines, the Registrant must use their professional judgment to determine whether to proceed. Consideration must be given to the best interest of the patient, including whether deferring the examination or procedure would adversely affect the patient’s health. The decision of whether to proceed and the reasons for this decision should be documented in the patient’s medical records.

Are these expectations clear and reasonable?
5.Are there any gaps in the draft Standard which you think we should address?
6.Please share any additional comments and/or concerns you have about the draft Standard.
7.Please feel free to answer the following additional questions regarding your demographics.

Information collected will allow us to ensure we have reached a diverse group of survey respondents and identify any trends.

Optional Question 1: In which NL Health Services zone or geographic region do you practice?
8.Optional Question 2: How do you identify?
9.Optional Question 3: Which category includes your age?