Development of Doctors Attire According to Patients Preferences

Abstract

Background: Doctor-patient rapport can be built in various ways, and it also includes non-verbal
communication. Medical attire is an example of non-verbal communication that affects the patient’s comfort
and perception of a doctor. Medical attire that suits patient’s preferences has a positive effect on the patient’s
trust and comfort.
Objective: This study aims to know about patient’s preference towards doctor attire, so it will be a guide for
doctor building good rapports in doctor-patient communication.
Method: This research is an analytical observational study with cross-sectional approach. Using consecutive
sampling method, a sum of 6467 Indonesians was taken as samples. The data acquired from questionnaire
via google form include age, sex, level of education, and patient’s rate of comfort for doctor apparel. To
analyze the data, both Independent T test and One Way Anova were conducted.
Result: White coat, basic pants, formal shoes, watch, and glasses are male doctors’ garments that patients
find very comfortable. On female doctors, the pieces of clothing that patients are very comfortable with are
white coat, basic pants, formal shoes, and hijabs. There is a significant result in comparison at each attire
(p<0,05).
Conclusion: The attire that patients find very comfortable to be worn by doctors are white coat, basic pants,
formal shoes, hijabs (on women), watch, and glasses.