The Effect of an Orthopedic Hand Surgeon’s Attire on PatientConfidence and Trust

摘要

Background: Multiple studies have concluded that patients are morelikely to understand and trust physicians who dress in more formal attire (shirtand tie) as opposed to casual attire (t-shirts and jeans). The white coat hasrepeatedly been reported as a major source of trust and confidence in apatient’s eyes. Methods: This study explores the effect anorthopedic hand surgeon’s attire has on a patient’s perception of theirsurgeon’s clinical values. All patients 18 years of age and older who visitedour orthopedic hand surgeon’s suburban outpatient practice were asked toparticipate in our survey-based study. Results: Ninety-sevensurveys were completed and included. A majority of our responders are female (n= 59, 60.8%), Caucasian (n = 83, 85.6%) between the ages of 55 and 74 years (n =40, 41.2%), currently employed (n = 59, 60.8%) with private health insurance (n= 69, 71.1%), and married (n = 64, 66.0%). Patients rated male and female handsurgeons wearing a white coat highest using the Likert scale and when askedabout their perceived clinical qualities. Patients consistently poorly ratedtheir surgeons wearing casual attire. Patients did note that the white coat, orany specific attire, was not necessary during the initial encounter to build astrong patient-surgeon relationship. Finally, goatees and beards do notpositively or negatively impact a surgeon’s patient-constructed image.Conclusions: Combining strong clinical skills with appropriateclinical attire highlighted by the physician wearing a white coat appears to bean effective way to enhance patient satisfaction while ultimately gaining thetrust and respect needed to properly care for patients.