Consumers views on dress code policy of carers

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Do Neckties, White Coats and Uniforms Impact on Carer-Patient Relationships and Hospital Acquired Infection Control? – What Consumers and Healthcare Providers Think

• IRAS ID

  161466

• Contact name

  Isaac Manyonda

• Contact email

  imanyond@sgul.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  St George's Hospital

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 1 months, 17 days

• Research summary

  The carer-patient relationship is established from the moment the carer encounters the patient. The manner in which the carer is dressed and the way in which s/he speaks contributes significantly to the patient’s first impression, and often the subsequent course of the interaction, including expectations of quality of care and confidence in the healthcare professional. It is therefore not surprising that most research to date indicates that dress code impacts on the carer-patient relationship, and as such what both the carers and the patients (consumers) think of the attire of healthcare professionals is of significant importance.
  The issue of initial carer-patient salutation has been little studied. However, it is important because it helps define the nature, attitude and views of both parties. Patients do not want to have a carer that is condescending to them. Naturally they would wish to interact with someone who shows them respect, courtesy, puts them at ease and yet is highly professional and exudes confidence. When they seek medical help patients are often unwell and vulnerable, and the importance of salutation cannot be over-emphasized. In recent years, it has been suggested that certain types of attire worn by carers could increase the risk of hospital acquired infection. Despite lack of supporting evidence, the government of the United Kingdom has pronounced dress code policies, without seeking the views of consumers or healthcare professionals. We sought to examine the views on the impact of the white coat, neck-tie and uniform on carer-patient relationships and hospital acquired infection control

• REC name

  West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  15/WM/0214

• Date of REC Opinion

  12 Jun 2015

• REC opinion

  Unfavourable Opinion