Gynaecology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Gynaecology, including details on pap smears, laparoscopy, ultrasound, hysteroscopy.

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

Fischer RL, Hansen CE, Hunter RL, Veloski JJ

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to determine whether physician attire played a role in patient satisfaction after a new obstetrician/gynecologist encounter. STUDY DESIGN: Over a 3-month period, 20 physicians were randomly assigned to dress in business attire, casual clothing, or scrub suit each week. One thousand one hundred sixteen 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 competency and professionalism of the physician. Patients were blinded to the physician attire manipulation. RESULTS: There was no difference in the mean overall satisfaction score among the 3 physician attire groups. No differences existed in satisfaction scores when analyzed by individual survey item or by demographic factors, after controlling for attire. CONCLUSION: Patients are equally satisfied with physicians who dress in business attire, casual clothing, or scrub suit.

Published 19 February 2007 in Am J Obstet Gynecol, 196(2): 186.e1-5.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Gynaecology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.