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Uniforms: a comparative evaluation of tunic tops
1Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust. shignett@ncht.trent.nhs.uk
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|September 6, 2002
Summary
This study evaluated four tunic top designs for female nurses using ergonomic criteria. No single optimal design was found, but one tunic was identified as the least restrictive.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Ergonomics
- Apparel Design
Background:
- Ergonomic criteria are crucial for effective nurse uniform design.
- Previous research on nurses' uniforms informed the evaluation protocol.
- Tunic tops are a common garment for female nurses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To recommend a selection for female nurses' tunic tops based on ergonomic criteria.
- To evaluate existing tunic top designs for functional performance.
- To identify design features that enhance nurse comfort and mobility.
Main Methods:
- Functional tests including anthropometry and discomfort charts were employed.
- Nurses participated in wearing and evaluating four different tunic top designs.
- Comparative ranking and product feature questionnaires were utilized.
Main Results:
- No single tunic top design was identified as optimal.
- All evaluated tunics presented some degree of restriction.
- One tunic design was found to be less restrictive than the others.
Conclusions:
- Further participatory ergonomics research with nursing staff is planned.
- The goal is to develop a nurse uniform meeting functional ergonomic criteria.
- Prototypes will be assessed using the established trial protocol.