Does Physician Attire Influence Patient Perception?

Physician attire might influence patients' confidence and trust. As regulatory and payer organizations have focused on patient satisfaction and experience, some healthcare institutions are adding scrutiny of physician attire. In a systematic review of observational studies, researchers evaluated the influence of physician attire on patient perceptions in 30 studies (>11,000 patient respondents) in which physicians were caring for adults outside of psychiatry settings.

In 70% of studies, participants expressed preferences for specific physician attire or a positive influence of attire on perception. In most cases, formal attire was preferred, followed closely by white coats — with or without formal attire. Patients older than 40 strongly pref…