title: Can changes in clinical attire reduce likelihood of cross-infection without jeopardising the doctor-patient relationship?
abstract: Research has shown that healthcare workers' clothes can become contaminated with pathogens. This study aimed to determine whether hospital doctors can change their attire to reduce the possibility of cross-infection without jeopardising the doctor-patient relationship. In this experimental repeated-measures study, 55 male and 45 female inpatients (mean age: 52.89 years) were randomly selected. Participants were shown photographs of medical dresscodes and asked to rate their appropriateness on a 5-point Likert scale. They were then read a standardised statement regarding the significance of attire to cross-infection and the exercise was repeated. Pre statement, there was no significant difference between the majority of dress options, though casual dress (male and female) and short-sleeved top (female) were considered significantly less appropriate. Post statement, surgical 'scrubs' and short-sleeved top/shirt were deemed most appropriate (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference between short-sleeved shirt and scrubs for males. For females, scrubs were preferred (P=0.0005). Participants expressed no significant preference for medical attire, with the exception of a dislike of casual dress. However, once informed of the significance of attire to cross-infection, preference changes to favour dresscodes which may minimise infection risk.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Department, Tameside General Hospital, Ashton Under Lyne, UK.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Shelton
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Raistrick
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Warburton
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Siddiqui
mesh_terms: D003020:Clothing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations