From the Research
When performing a genitourinary (GU) examination on a minor boy, an Internal Medicine physician should always obtain informed consent from the parent or legal guardian before proceeding, and depending on the minor's age, obtaining assent from the patient himself is also important, as stated in 1.
Key Requirements for GU Examination
The following are key requirements for an Internal Medicine doctor performing a GU examination on a minor male:
- A chaperone should always be present during the examination, preferably a parent/guardian or another healthcare professional.
- The examination should be conducted only when medically necessary, with clear documentation of the clinical indication.
- The physician should explain the procedure in age-appropriate language before and during the examination, maintaining the patient's dignity by providing appropriate draping and privacy.
- Only the minimum necessary exposure should occur, and the examination should be performed efficiently.
- Comprehensive documentation in the medical record should include the indication for the exam, presence of a chaperone, findings, and the patient's response.
Importance of Proper Examination
Proper performance of the GU examination is crucial, as it can help diagnose treatable conditions such as undescended testicles, hernias, testicular tumors, and urethral abnormalities, as noted in 2 and 3.
Assessment and Validation
The use of a standardized assessment tool, such as the one created in 4, can help evaluate trainee skill level and improve the quality of male GU examinations.
Prioritizing Patient Care and Dignity
Ultimately, the goal of the GU examination is to provide appropriate medical care while maintaining professional boundaries and respecting the minor's developing autonomy and dignity, as emphasized in 1 and 2.