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Should doctors wear white coats?

¹Department of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW. harnettpr@westgate.wh.usyd.edu.au

The Medical Journal of Australia

|May 11, 2001

Summary

Most cancer patients believe doctors should wear white coats to improve identification. This study surveyed patient preferences on physician attire, finding a majority support the traditional white coat.

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Area of Science:

Medical Practice
Patient Experience
Healthcare Communication

Background:

The traditional white coat worn by physicians is becoming less common in hospitals.
This decline in physician attire makes it challenging for patients to distinguish doctors from other healthcare professionals.
Clear identification of medical personnel is crucial for patient trust and effective communication.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate patient perceptions regarding the necessity of white coats for hospital physicians.
To determine if patients prefer doctors, including junior and senior staff, to wear white coats.
To gather patient perspectives on physician identification in a hospital setting.

Main Methods:

A survey was conducted among patients diagnosed with cancer.
Participants were asked about their views on whether doctors should wear white coats.
The study included both junior and senior doctors in its scope.

Main Results:

A significant majority of cancer patients surveyed expressed approval for doctors wearing white coats.
Only a small minority of patients disapproved of physicians wearing white coats.
Patient preference leaned towards maintaining the tradition of white coats for doctors.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that wearing white coats can aid patients in identifying physicians.
Patient support for physician white coats remains strong, particularly among those with cancer.
Reinstating or maintaining the practice of wearing white coats may enhance patient-physician identification and trust.

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