A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology has clearly demonstrated that physician attire is affecting patients’ perception of their doctors’ professionalism as well as care outcomes. Robert S. Kirsner, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and collaborators illustrated through a cross-sectional survey of 261 subjects that by a large margin patients prefer their doctors to be in professional apparel.
The study focused on dermatologists’ clothing and how patients develop an opinion about their physician’s qualification based on first encounters. Part of this perception is related to physician attire. Kirsner found that 73 percent of those interviewed preferred professional attire, including suit, tie and white coat, in all clinical settings.
The findings are not limited to dermatology. Previous studies of other medical fields indicated similar outcomes, with white coats being reported as “desirable” and suit and ties preferred for men.
“When meeting with their physician, patients tend to prefer a level of attire and decorum that reflects the doctor’s expertise,” said Kirsner. “These findings also translate into a surgical setting, where many respondents also preferred professional attire versus physicians wearing scrubs.”
Results were not limited to a certain demographic. Ethnicity, profession and level of education were, for the most part, not a factor in patients’ preference for professional attire in the medical, surgical and wound care setting.
“It can be concluded that doctors should continue to maintain a level of professionalism in their attire because patients subconsciously may judge a physician’s skill based upon appearance,” Kirsner said. “If deemed unprofessional or less competent, patient outcomes could be negatively influenced.”
