Patients' preferences for doctors' attire in Japan

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Patient Experience Research
• Clinical Communication

Background:

• Physician attire significantly influences the physician-patient relationship.
• Limited research exists on Japanese patients' preferences for physician attire.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Japanese outpatients' preferences for physician attire.
• To evaluate the impact of attire on patient confidence in their physician.
• To examine situational variations in attire preferences.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 2,272 Japanese outpatients at St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo.
• Utilized a 10-item questionnaire with Likert scales to assess preferences for semi-formal, white coat, scrubs, and casual wear.
• Measured the influence of attire on patient confidence.

Main Results:

• The white coat was the most preferred attire (mean rank 4.18), while casual wear was least preferred (mean rank 2.32).
• Perceived hygiene and inspiring confidence were key reasons for preferring white coats.
• Approximately 70% of patients reported that physician attire influences their confidence.

Conclusions:

• Japanese outpatients strongly prefer physicians to wear white coats.
• Wearing a white coat can positively influence patient confidence and the physician-patient relationship across various clinical settings.