Nursing professional attire: probing patient preferences to inform implementation
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Published on: November 30, 2022
Joanne T Clavelle1, Miki Goodwin, Laura J Tivis
1St Luke's Health System, Treasure Valley, 190 Bannock Street, Boise, ID 83712, USA. clavellj@slhs.org
Objective:
The aim of this study was to increase understanding of patient perceptions of nursing professional image, appearance, and identification to inform implementation of professional clinical attire.
Background:
There is growing evidence of patient preference for and organizational implementation of professional clinical attire.
Methods:
A total of 350 randomly selected inpatients were surveyed using the professional image and patient preferences survey prior to a revision of the dress code for nursing.
Results:
Patients gave high scores for nursing image, appearance, and identification, with no support for color-coded uniforms.
Conclusions:
Organizations should assess patient perceptions before implementation of a dress code for nursing.
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