Does Surgeon Attire Affect Patient Satisfaction: A Multi-center, Nationwide Study
2Orthopedics, Cedars Sinai, USA
3Orthopedics, Ochsner Clinic, USA
4Orthopedics, University of Arkansas, USA
5Orthopedics, OrthoCarolina, USA
6Orthopedics, University Nebraska, USA
7Orthopedics, Brigham and Womens, USA
8Orthopedics, Florida Orthopedic Institute, USA
9Orthopedics, University of Washington, USA
Background: Patient satisfaction and physician perception can vary depending on physician attire, and recent legislation has tied reimbursement to patient satisfaction. The goal of the present study was to determine if surgeon attire affected patient satisfaction and how patient’s perception was affected by surgeon attire.
Methods: Patients at 10 major institutions across the US completed a survey designed by our consortium between 2016 and 2017. Exclusion criteria were those
Results: 1,123 patients were included for analysis in 10 different regions. Variations in surgeon attire preference was not significantly different by region (p>0.665.). Overall, most (61%) patients had no physician gender predilection (p = 0.32). In males with respect to intelligence, trust, discussion confidential information, recommendation, caring, and surgery expectation; patients preferred their physician to wear formal attire with a white coat (p<0.001). In females regarding the similar criteria, white coat, regardless of what was underneath, was preferred over other attire combinations (p<0.001). With respect to age, patients preferred white coat to all other options, regardless what was under (p<0.001).
Conclusion: In our study, there was no gender predilection; however, white coat was preferred and elicited stronger influence on patient perception of surgeons with higher satisfaction. In the modern era where satisfaction can affect reimbursement, we demonstrate that even physician attire can play a role in patient satisfaction and should not be overlooked.
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