Exam Pass Notes

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Memory spine

• Notice: be aware of what others can hear, see or infer.
• Ask: check that the patient is comfortable before close-contact tasks, touching, taking images or discussing sensitive matters.
• Explain: introduce yourself, describe what you will do and why.
• Offer: provide private space, communication support, companions or a chaperone when appropriate.
• Boundaries: pause and escalate if behaviour, pressure or discomfort makes the situation unsafe.
• Record: document chaperone decisions, concerns and actions in line with local procedure.

Key points

• Privacy covers spoken, written, visual, digital and recalled information.
• Dignity means recognising patients as individuals with preferences, feelings and limits.
• Reception and retail areas are public; share only the minimum necessary information and offer private space for sensitive issues.
• Companions can assist with care but do not automatically have rights to information or decision-making authority.
• Explain close-contact optical tasks before proceeding, especially when touch, positioning, imaging or personal space are involved.
• Patients may ask for a pause, a different explanation, a companion, a chaperone or another staff member.
• A chaperone supports comfort, dignity, safety and professional boundaries but does not replace consent.
• Vulnerable patients may need extra time, communication support, reasonable adjustments or safeguarding escalation.
• Report boundary concerns, inappropriate comments, unwanted touch, harassment and any patient or staff discomfort.
• Records should state facts: what happened, what was said, who was present, who was informed and what action followed.

Assessment focus

Expect questions on public-area privacy, consent for close-contact tasks, chaperone requests, companion involvement, care for vulnerable patients, boundary concerns, factual recording and escalation routes.