Study Reveals Patients Prefer Doctors in White Coats for Trust and Professionalism

Recent research published in BMJ Open highlights that patients continue to associate white coats with professionalism and trust in healthcare settings. The review analyzed various studies to explore how doctors' attire impacts patient perceptions and satisfaction.

The findings indicate that patients tend to view physicians dressed in white coats as more trustworthy and professional. However, the study also revealed that female doctors often face misidentification as nurses or medical assistants when wearing white coats, which raises concerns about gender biases in medical settings.

Patient preferences regarding attire are influenced by clinical context and medical specialty. In emergency or high-risk environments, there is a growing acceptance of scrubs, while traditional white coats are still favored in many other specialties. For instance, patients expressed a preference for white coats in fields such as orthopedics, surgery, dermatology, and obstetrics and gynecology. Interestingly, in palliative care, patients did not feel that a doctor's attire significantly impacted their trust or assessment of the physician's capabilities.

This review builds upon previous research that examined the importance of doctors' clothing in fostering patient trust and satisfaction. The researchers conducted a comprehensive search of studies published from January 2015 to August 2024, resulting in the inclusion of 32 studies from various countries, predominantly the United States.

Interestingly, the studies revealed that male doctors wearing suits were preferred by patients, with certain accessories enhancing perceived professionalism. This preference underscores the gender dynamics at play, as female physicians are often judged more on their appearance compared to their male counterparts. In the UK, a 'bare below the elbows' policy limits doctors' attire to minimize infection risks, which adds another layer to the conversation about professional clothing in healthcare.

Despite the traditional view that white coats symbolize professionalism, the pandemic shifted some patient preferences towards practical and hygienic attire like scrubs and face masks. This change reflects an increased awareness of infection control measures among patients.

The researchers acknowledged limitations in their findings, particularly the lack of studies representing diverse geographical areas, including South America, and the focus on self-reported data from participants. They emphasized the need for medical institutions to consider flexible dress codes that align with patient preferences while addressing gender biases in recognition and respect towards female physicians.

Ultimately, while the classic white coat remains a strong symbol of trust and professionalism in healthcare, it is essential for institutions to adapt to changing patient expectations and promote equitable perceptions among healthcare providers.