The Enduring Symbolism of the White Coat
A recent review published in the open-access journal BMJ Open highlights that patients still perceive doctors wearing white coats as more professional and trustworthy. Despite evolving trends in medical attire, the white coat remains a powerful symbol of medical professionalism. However, the review also notes that female doctors in white coats are often misidentified as nurses or medical assistants, indicating persistent gender biases in patient perceptions.
Influence of Clinical Context and Specialty
The review suggests that patient preferences for doctors’ attire are significantly influenced by the clinical context and medical specialty. While white coats are traditionally favored, there is a growing acceptance of scrubs, particularly in emergency or high-risk settings. This shift reflects the practical and hygienic considerations that have become more prominent in modern healthcare environments.
Historical Perspective on Medical Attire
In the 19th century, doctors typically wore black, as medical encounters were considered formal and serious occasions. However, with advancements in hygiene and medicine, the white coat emerged in the 20th century as a symbol of cleanliness and professionalism, becoming the standard attire for doctors worldwide.
Updating Previous Research
The researchers aimed to update previous findings on the impact of doctors’ attire on patient satisfaction, trust, and adherence to medical advice. They expanded the scope to include diverse clinical contexts to better understand how attire influences patient interactions and treatment outcomes.
Methodology and Study Selection
The review involved a comprehensive search of research databases for studies published between January 2015 and August 2024. Out of 724 initial studies, 32 met the criteria for inclusion. The majority of these studies were conducted in the U.S., with others from countries such as Japan, China, and Pakistan.
Patient Preferences Across Specialties
The review found that patient preferences varied by specialty. For instance, patients preferred emergency care doctors to wear white coats or scrubs, while they were comfortable with primary care doctors dressed casually. In specialties like orthopedics, surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, and obstetrics and gynecology, there was a clear preference for doctors to wear white coats.
Gender and Attire Perceptions
The studies indicated a preference for male doctors to wear suits, with accessories like watches and glasses enhancing perceived professionalism. However, the UK’s ‘bare below the elbows’ policy, which prohibits white coats and certain accessories to reduce infection risks, contrasts with these findings.
Despite identical attire, female doctors were more likely to be misidentified as nurses, a trend observed across various cultural settings. Patients generally preferred white coats over business or casual attire for both male and female doctors, associating them with trustworthiness and professionalism.
Gender-Specific Preferences in Surgical Attire
The review noted that male surgeons wearing a white coat over scrubs were viewed less favorably than those in suits or scrubs alone. Conversely, female surgeons in white coats over scrubs were preferred over those in suits or casual attire. This highlights the gendered expectations patients have regarding physician attire.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors preferred wearing scrubs for hygiene and ease of movement. Studies during this period reported a shift in patient preference towards practical and hygienic attire, reflecting increased awareness of infection control.
Limitations and Future Directions
The researchers acknowledge limitations in their findings, such as the predominance of U.S.-based studies and the lack of data from South America. Many studies relied on self-reported data and did not include children or patients with mental health issues.
Conclusion and Recommendations
While the white coat remains a symbol of professionalism and trust, there is growing acceptance of scrubs, especially in high-risk settings. The review suggests that medical institutions should consider flexible dress codes that align with patient preferences and address gender biases in attire perceptions.
For more information, refer to the study “Patient perception of physician attire: a systematic review update” in BMJ Open (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-100824
🔗 **Fuente:** https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-patients-view-doctor-white-coat.html