RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Understanding patient preference for physician attire in ambulatory clinics: a cross-sectional observational study
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e026009
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026009
VO 9
IS 5
A1 Marc Zollinger
A1 Nathan Houchens
A1 Vineet Chopra
A1 Lauren Clack
A1 Peter Werner Schreiber
A1 Latoya Kuhn
A1 Ashley Snyder
A1 Sanjay Saint
A1 Christopher M Petrilli
A1 Hugo Sax
YR 2019
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/5/e026009.abstract
AB Objectives We explored patient perceptions regarding physician attire in different clinical contexts and resultant effects on the physician–patient relationship.Setting The 900-bed University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.Participants A convenience sample of patients receiving care in dermatology, infectious diseases and neurology ambulatory clinics of the University Hospital Zurich participated in a paper-based survey.Primary and secondary outcome measures The survey instrument was randomised and showed photographs of male or female physicians wearing various forms of attire. On the basis of the respondents’ ratings of how the physician’s attire affected perceptions across five domains (knowledgeable, trustworthy, caring, approachable and comfort with the physician), a composite preference score for attire was calculated as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included variation in preferences by respondent characteristics and context in which care was provided.Results Of 834 patient respondents (140 in dermatology, 422 in infectious diseases and 272 in neurology), 298 (36%) agreed that physician attire was important. When compared with all available choices, the combination of white scrubs with white coat was rated highest while a business suit ranked lowest. Variation in preferences and opinions for attire were noted relative to respondent demographics and the clinical setting in which the survey was administered. For example, compared with younger patients, respondents ≥65 years of age more often reported that physician dress was both important to them and influenced how happy they were with their care (p=0.047 and p=0.001, respectively).Conclusions Outpatients at a large Swiss University hospital prefer their physicians to be dressed in white scrubs with white coat. Substantial variation among respondents based on demographics, type of physician and clinical setting were observed. Healthcare systems should consider context of care when defining policies related to dress code.