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Children's and parents' visual perception of physicians
J J McCarthy1, M C McCarthy, R E Eilert
1Shriners Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Clinical Pediatrics
|June 1, 1999
Summary
Children and parents prefer smiling physicians with wall posters. Contrary to popular belief, children did not show a fear of white coats, with many preferring them.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric healthcare
- Physician-patient interaction
- Visual perception studies
Background:
- Understanding children's perceptions of physicians is crucial for improving healthcare experiences.
- Previous assumptions suggested children fear physicians in white coats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare children's and parents' visual perceptions of physicians.
- To determine preferences regarding physician attire, demeanor, and office environment.
Main Methods:
- 50 children and their parents were shown pairs of physician photographs.
- Preferences were recorded for characteristics: white coat, smiling face, office posters, and physician posture.
- Data analyzed for correlations between child and parent preferences and demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Both children and parents preferred smiling physicians and those with cartoon posters.
- A majority of children (54%) preferred physicians in white coats, contrasting with parents (35%).
- Children also preferred standing physicians (68%) more than parents (41%).
Conclusions:
- The study did not support the notion that children fear physicians in white coats.
- Physician approachability, indicated by smiling and child-friendly office decor, significantly influences perception.
- Child and parent preferences regarding physician appearance and demeanor can differ.