Abstract
Background
No studies to date exist regarding the attire of physicians on a surgical service.
The objective of this study was to determine patient, surgeon, and nonhospitalized
public (NHP) attitudes and preferences regarding surgeons’ attire and mannerisms.
Methods
A questionnaire was developed to survey each group. The Internet was used as a novel
avenue to survey the NHP. Eight questions were presented to each group, and each question
had three possible responses: agree, disagree, or no opinion. Total responses and
percentages were determined for each group’s answers, and statistical analysis was
performed using chi-square test.
Results
Thirty-eight surgical inpatients, 38 surgeons, and 334 NHP participated in the study.
All groups agreed that surgeons should wear nametags while they are seeing patients.
Inpatients agreed with surgeons that surgeons should wear white coats while seeing
patients (P > .05). Surgeons considered scrubs and clogs to be acceptable attire, which differed
from all other groups (P < .05). Although 31% of the NHP considered blue jeans acceptable, only 10% of surgeons
(P < .05) and 22% of patients (P > .05) considered them acceptable. All groups believed that a surgeon’s appearance
influences their perceptions and impressions regarding the quality of medical care
they received (P < .05).
Conclusions
Based on the agreement of all groups that a surgeon’s appearance and mannerisms affects
perceptions of the quality of medical care received, surgeons should respond to these
perceptions and dress accordingly while seeing surgical patients.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Received in revised form:
August 4,
2004
Received:
January 30,
2004
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 Excerpta Medica Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
