Data from: Understanding the role of physician attire on patient perceptions: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVES: Despite a growing body of literature, uncertainty regarding the influence of physician dress on patients’ perceptions exists. We performed a systematic review to examine the influence of physician attire on patient trust, satisfaction, and confidence. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Biosis Previews and Conference Papers Index. Studies that: (a) involved participants > 18 years of age; (b) evaluated physician attire; and (c) reported patient perceptions related to attire were included. Two authors determined study eligibility. Studies were categorized by country, clinical discipline (e.g., internal medicine, surgery), context (inpatient vs. outpatient) and clinical encounter when soliciting opinions regarding attire. Studies were assessed using the Downs and Black Scale risk of bias scale. Due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity, meta-analyses were not attempted. RESULTS: Of 1,011 citations, 27 studies involving 9,277 patients met eligibility criteria. Included studies featured patients from 12 countries. General medicine, procedural (e.g., general surgery, obstetrics), clinic, emergency departments and hospital settings were represented. Preferences or positive influence of physician attire on patient perceptions were reported in 18 of the 27 studies (67%). Formal attire with or without white coats and white coats with other attire not specified was preferred in 14 of 27 studies (52%). Preference for formal attire and white coats was more prevalent among older patients and studies conducted in Europe and Asia. Five of 7 studies involving procedural specialties reported either no preference for attire or a preference for scrubs; studies in intensive care and emergency settings also found no attire preference. Only 3 of 12 studies that surveyed patients after a clinical encounter concluded that attire influenced patient perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients often prefer formal physician attire, perceptions of attire are influenced by age, locale, setting and context of care. Policy-based interventions that target such factors appear necessary.