By Nick Warrick
A survey of 4062 patients revealed that 53 percent of people say physician attire is important to them when receiving medical care. Furthermore, more than one-third of people agreed that it influenced their satisfaction with their care.
Why is professional workwear so important to patients? How does it enhance their experiences? Learn the answers to these and other critical healthcare attire questions below.
What Does Professional Medical Workwear Look Like?
What does it mean for a healthcare provider to dress professionally?
Based on the study linked above, for physicians, it means wearing formal attire (such as a button-down shirt, tie, and slacks) with a white coat or wearing medical scrubs with a white coat.
Dressing more casually, such as a T-shirt and jeans, is the least preferred option. Adding a white coat helps a little, but not much.
How Does Professional Attire Contribute to the Patient's Experience?
There are a few reasons why patients prefer their healthcare providers to wear formal clothing or, at the very least, scrubs and a white coat. Here are some of the top reasons why attire is so important:
First Impressions Matter
Research shows that 55 percent of first impressions are made by what people see. The first thing that most people notice when a medical provider walks into the room is what they’re wearing.
Suppose a patient sees their physician dressed casually or thinks they don’t care about their appearance. In that case, they may automatically have a negative idea of who this provider is and the quality of care they will deliver.
A Professional Appearance Builds Trust
Because visuals matter so much when it comes to making a first impression, it’s critical that physicians and other healthcare providers dress professionally.
A professional appearance makes it easier for patients to trust that their provider knows what they’re doing. If they trust their doctor or nurse, they’ll be more likely to feel at ease during their appointment and less stressed about being in a hospital or doctor’s office.
Professional Attire Prevents Distractions
Unprofessional dress can also be distracting for patients. They might find themselves so focused on what their provider is wearing that they don’t hear what they say or fully understand the instructions the doctor gives them.
On the other hand, if a patient is put at ease right away by a provider’s professional appearance, they may be better equipped to listen and implement the changes or recommendations the physician suggests.
Why Is Professional Appearance Important to Healthcare Workers?
Dressing professionally doesn’t just benefit patients. It’s also crucial to the healthcare providers themselves for the following reasons:
Establish Authority
Physicians and other medical professionals — especially young ones who are new to the profession — must establish authority as soon as they walk into the room.
If they’re not dressed to impress, it’s harder to make that happen. As a result, they may catch themselves struggling to connect with the patient.
Increase Confidence
Furthermore, dressing professionally can increase confidence. If a provider takes the time to dress formally and don a white coat before they start their rounds, they will likely feel more confident in themselves and their abilities since they know they look the way patients expect a doctor to look.
Better Rapport and Communication
If a healthcare worker can make a good impression from the moment they enter the room, and if they feel more confident, they will likely have an easier time building a rapport with their patients and communicating with them during the appointment.
Increased Adherence
A better relationship with patients and improved communication can also increase the likelihood that patients will listen to what their provider tells them and adhere to specific instructions. Better adherence, in turn, can lead to better patient outcomes.
Innovations in Healthcare Attire
Healthcare workwear has come a long way over the last few years, and it will continue evolving in the future. Here are some of the most noteworthy innovations for medical providers to be aware of:
More Stylish Solutions
Not too long ago, physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals only had a few scrub fits and styles to choose from. They were essentially limited to short-sleeved tops, long-sleeved tops, and loose-fitting scrub pants.
Today, there are many other styles to choose from, including jogger scrubs, a variety of sleeve lengths, and fitted scrubs. Scrubs are also made in plus size, tall, and petite sizes, making it easier for those who might struggle to wear standard sizes comfortably to find something that works for them.
Improved Functionality
Not only are the new types of scrubs more stylish, but they’re also more functional.
Many providers find that it’s easier for them to move around and deliver the care their patients need without worrying about their scrubs interfering (for example, if the sleeves of a scrub top are too tight or if the top is too short, that could create discomfort when reaching overhead or across).
Comfortable, Breathable Fabrics
Many pairs of scrubs are made with comfortable and breathable fabrics. These kinds of fabrics make it much more enjoyable for providers to wear them through their 12-plus hour shifts.
Antimicrobial Fabrics
Some scrubs are also made of antimicrobial fabric. This fabric is critical for healthcare providers, as they’re frequently exposed to a wide range of germs.
Particularly in a post-COVID world where people are more aware of germs and infection risks than ever, antimicrobial fabrics can give healthcare workers extra peace of mind.
The Lasting Influence of Workwear on Patients
The data doesn’t lie — patients want their healthcare providers to look professional. Based on what the research shows, it’s critical that healthcare providers consider their workwear when trying to connect with patients.
Dressing the part can put patients at ease, help providers establish trust, and potentially lead to better outcomes. Especially with the latest innovations in healthcare attire, there are plenty of options for physicians and other caregivers to experiment with.
Has it been a while since you invested in medical workwear?
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with over 100 clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Warrick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.
