The ethics of intimate examinations—teaching tomorrow's doctorsCommentary: Respecting the patient's integrity is the keyCommentary: Teaching pelvic examination—putting the patient first
The article on ethics of intimate examinations was
revealing of many things. In particular it demonstrated
that there is a spectrum of thought on the matter.
However, doctors are at risk of losing a grasp of
common sense and their duty to learn for the benefit of
all if they try to lead in the field of political correctness. If
a student is participating in a procedure as part of the
clinical team they must expect to be covered by the
consent process entailed in the procedure. Whether
they are examining in the mouth, the perineum or the
armpit should make no difference. It is wholly
appropriate to respect the sensitivities of the patient
when awake and decorum and ones own sensitivities
when they are asleep. However, students should not be
considered outside the clinical process. They often find
things busy clinicians don't notice.
Rapid Response:
The value of judgement
The article on ethics of intimate examinations was
revealing of many things. In particular it demonstrated
that there is a spectrum of thought on the matter.
However, doctors are at risk of losing a grasp of
common sense and their duty to learn for the benefit of
all if they try to lead in the field of political correctness. If
a student is participating in a procedure as part of the
clinical team they must expect to be covered by the
consent process entailed in the procedure. Whether
they are examining in the mouth, the perineum or the
armpit should make no difference. It is wholly
appropriate to respect the sensitivities of the patient
when awake and decorum and ones own sensitivities
when they are asleep. However, students should not be
considered outside the clinical process. They often find
things busy clinicians don't notice.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests