In a systematic review of 30 existing studies, researchers from the University of Michigan Health System examined how a physician's attire can influence patient perception.
Researchers reported the following key findings from 30 studies across 11,533 patients and 14 countries.
- 21 of 30 studies determined attire influences patients' perception of physicians.
- 18 studies showed formal attire or white coats are preferred physician attire.
- Studies also showed American patients over age 50, European patients and Asian patients preferred formal or white coat attire.
- 57 percent of studies involving surgery patients showed no preference for physician attire or patients who preferred scrubs.
- 80 percent of studies involving emergency room or intensive care showed no preference
The team plans to launch a comprehensive international study of physician attire and its influences on patient perception and trust, called TAILOR, or "Targeting Attire to Improve Likelihood of Rapport."
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