How do we choose what we wear when seeing patients? Is it by what tradition dictates? Do we need to meet our institution’s dress code? Or do we just like what makes us comfortable? (Those scrubs sure are comfy — almost like going to work in pajamas!) Well, how about choosing what our patients prefer that we wear?
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that 53 percent of patients reported that physician attire was important to them, and 36 percent responded that what the doctor wore influenced how satisfied they were with the care they received.
Across all ages and genders of patients, the plurality preferred “formal” clothes (button-down blouse and suit pants for women, shirt and tie with suit pants for men) with a white coat for outpatient and hospital visits. For emergency department visits and surgery, patients preferred the doctors to wear scrubs and a white coat.
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