Public Perceptions of Surgeon Attire in Saudi Arabia

Surgeon attire significantly affects patients' perceptions and can improve patient-surgeon relationships, which are crucial for patient comfort, experience, satisfaction, and treatment adherence. Understanding patient preferences for surgeon attire is essential, particularly in Saudi Arabia, for establishing appropriate dress codes in healthcare institutions. This national cross-sectional study aimed to fill this gap by assessing patient preferences for surgeon attire and its impact on patients' confidence in their surgeons across various medical settings.

The study used a questionnaire with 16 questions and images of surgeons in different attire styles, focusing on trust, care, approachability, and comfort ratings. The questionnaire included options like scrubs with a white coat, formal attire, and traditional Saudi attire for male surgeons, and various options including niqab and skirts for female surgeons. The survey had four sections covering ratings, attire preferences, opinions on white coats, and demographic data.

A total of 612 patients completed the questionnaires, mainly aged 35-54 (33%). Skirt and niqab and white coat attire for females received the highest ratings. Attire other than scrubs, especially jeans and heels with a white coat, had significantly lower ratings. Scrubs and white coats were the most preferred attire for male (23.7%) and female (17%) surgeons. Additionally, 71.24% of participants agreed that surgeons should wear white coats.

In Saudi Arabia, male surgeons are preferred in scrubs and white coats, while female surgeons are preferred in skirts with white coats and niqabs. These preferences reflect notions of formality, professionalism, and cultural influences. Jeans received the lowest ratings, possibly due to perceptions of informality. Patients favor scrubs and white coats for hygiene benefits and conveying dedication and expertise. Future research should validate these findings across diverse cultures and medical fields.