Sax L, Wong K, Shetty KR, Devaiah AK, Levi J, Grillone GA. Investigating Patient Preferences in Medical Student Attire in the Outpatient Otolaryngology Setting.
EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2019;
100:NP269-NP273. [PMID:
31569983 DOI:
10.1177/0145561319871911]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The authors sought to investigate patient preferences on physician and medical student attire in the outpatient otolaryngology setting.
METHODS
A prospective sample of 50 (23 males, 27 females) patients presenting to an otolaryngology clinic in a North American teaching hospital, Boston, MA, were included. Patients were seen by a researcher wearing a white coat and either (1) a shirt and tie or (2) surgical scrubs, then completed a Likert-style survey evaluating feelings of trust, comfort, and professionalism. Statistical significance was set at α = 0.05.
RESULTS
Most patients (82%, 41/50) believed that attire was important. Men and older patients were significantly more likely to believe attire was important (P = .01 and .005, respectively). Patients were significantly more comfortable when seen by a provider wearing a shirt and tie compared to scrubs (U = 109.5, P = .021); however, there was no difference in feelings of trust or professionalism (P = .5* and .6*, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Physician attire is important for patients presenting to otolaryngology clinic. Patients favored a white coat with a shirt and tie. Level of Evidence: NA.
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