Does physician attire influence patient satisfaction in an outpatient obstetrics and gynecology setting? A randomized trial

For further information contact: Jon.Veloski@jefferson.edu

The purpose of this study was to determine whether physician attire played a role in patient satisfaction after a new physician encounter.

Over a 3 month period, 20 physicians were randomly assigned to dress in business attire, casual clothing, or scrub suit each week. A total of 1,116 patients who had an office visit with a new obstetrician/gynecologist for at least 10 minutes completed a satisfaction survey, which assessed patient comfort as well as perception of the competence and professionalism of the physician. Patients were blinded to the physician attire manipulation.

There was no difference in the mean composite satisfaction score among the three physician attire groups. No differences were found when satisfaction scores were analyzed by individual survey item or by demographic factors, after controlling for attire.

Patients are equally satisfied with physicians who dress in business attire, casual clothing, or scrub suit.

Reference

Fischer RL, Hansen C, Hunter RL, Veloski JJ. Does physician attire influence patient satisfaction in an outpatient obstetrics and gynecology setting? A randomized trial. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2007. 196(2):186e1-186e5.