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Healthcare organizations typically have strict dress codes for clinical staff as a way to identify who’s who. But it turns out that when a clinician wears a white coat, it affects patients’ perceptions of professionalism, trust, and communication, according to a review of 32 studies presented in BMJ Open. Patient preferences for physician attire varied significantly by clinical context, medical specialty, and physician gender, however. In primary care settings, casual attire was found to be acceptable, especially when the clinician also wears a white coat. The authors suggest the combination strikes a balance between personal approachability and professional credibility. In high-acuity settings, including emergency departments, scrubs were consistently preferred because of their association with professionalism and preparedness, the authors say. It’s not surprising that male physicians were perceived as more professional when wearing formal attire with white coats, while female physicians were often misidentified as nurses or assistants even if they were wearing formal attire and white coats.
You wear it well: “A great way to support your healthcare team in furthering the center’s image and brand is by implementing a dress code that includes a uniform policy,” says Alan A. Ayers, MBA, MAcc, President of Urgent Care Consultants and Senior Editor of JUCM. “In fact, you will achieve greater consistency in the appearance of healthcare providers and staff members by implementing a dress code that balances business needs, including promoting the center’s brand, with job function and legal requirements.”
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