Patient Preference of Gynecologist Attire in the Office Setting [13P]

• Published in: Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953) Vol. 133 Suppl 1; no. 1; pp. 173 - 174
• Main Authors: Echeverri, Natalia, Salazar, Alejandra, Timmons, Douglas, Willis, Markie, Palin, Hannah, Carugno, Jose
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved 01.05.2019
• ISSN: 0029-7844
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000558901.52686.2a

INTRODUCTION:Patientʼs perception of their physician can affect physician-patient relationship. Does gynecologist attire in the office setting influence patientʼs perception of physician quality, level of trust, return for follow up visits or likelihood to recommend the physician to a friend or family member? METHODS:A cross sectional anonymous survey was given to 200 patients who were seen in the office gynecology setting in a mayor academic urban center. Subjects were shown a series of 4 pictures of a hypothetical physician in 4 different set of clinical attire, business (suit), professional (white coat), surgical (surgical scrubs) and casual (jeans and t-shirt) and were asked which physician they prefer for different hypothetical scenarios (office visit, major surgery, gynecologic emergency). Descriptive statistic was used to analyze the data. RESULTS:Mean age 32.9 year, most patient were Caucasian (59%) and self-identified as Hispanic (58.8%) Most patients preferred physicians wearing white coats (62%) followed by surgical scrubs (20%) (p<0.034). Although when presented the hypothetical scenario of counseling for mayor surgery patients preferred physician wearing scrubs. (p<0.007) In case of a gynecologic emergency surgical scrubs and white coat were equally preferred. (p<0.01) Attire did not have significant effect on patientʼs perception of gynecologist knowledge, ability to care as well as level of authority. CONCLUSION:Patients prefer gynecologist wearing white coats or surgical scrubs when in the office setting. The use of suit as well as casual attire is not well perceived by patients and should be avoided if possible.