Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Can changes in clinical attire reduce likelihood of cross-infection without jeopardising the doctor-patient relationship?
AU - Shelton, C. L.
AU - Raistrick, C.
AU - Warburton, K.
AU - Siddiqui, K. H.
PY - 2009/11/14
Y1 - 2009/11/14
N2 - Research has shown that healthcare workers' clothes can become contaminated with pathogens. This study aimed to determine whether hospital doctors can change their attire to reduce the possibility of cross-infection without jeopardising the doctor-patient relationship. In this experimental repeated-measures study, 55 male and 45 female inpatients (mean age: 52.89 years) were randomly selected. Participants were shown photographs of medical dresscodes and asked to rate their appropriateness on a 5-point Likert scale. They were then read a standardised statement regarding the significance of attire to cross-infection and the exercise was repeated. Pre statement, there was no significant difference between the majority of dress options, though casual dress (male and female) and short-sleeved top (female) were considered significantly less appropriate. Post statement, surgical 'scrubs' and short-sleeved top/shirt were deemed most appropriate (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between short-sleeved shirt and scrubs for males. For females, scrubs were preferred (P = 0.0005). Participants expressed no significant preference for medical attire, with the exception of a dislike of casual dress. However, once informed of the significance of attire to cross-infection, preference changes to favour dresscodes which may minimise infection risk.
AB - Research has shown that healthcare workers' clothes can become contaminated with pathogens. This study aimed to determine whether hospital doctors can change their attire to reduce the possibility of cross-infection without jeopardising the doctor-patient relationship. In this experimental repeated-measures study, 55 male and 45 female inpatients (mean age: 52.89 years) were randomly selected. Participants were shown photographs of medical dresscodes and asked to rate their appropriateness on a 5-point Likert scale. They were then read a standardised statement regarding the significance of attire to cross-infection and the exercise was repeated. Pre statement, there was no significant difference between the majority of dress options, though casual dress (male and female) and short-sleeved top (female) were considered significantly less appropriate. Post statement, surgical 'scrubs' and short-sleeved top/shirt were deemed most appropriate (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between short-sleeved shirt and scrubs for males. For females, scrubs were preferred (P = 0.0005). Participants expressed no significant preference for medical attire, with the exception of a dislike of casual dress. However, once informed of the significance of attire to cross-infection, preference changes to favour dresscodes which may minimise infection risk.
KW - Attire
KW - Clothing
KW - Cross-infection
KW - Doctor-patient relationship
U2 - 10.1016/j.jhin.2009.07.031
DO - 10.1016/j.jhin.2009.07.031
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 19914736
AN - SCOPUS:71749101798
VL - 74
SP - 22
EP - 29
JO - Journal of Hospital Infection
JF - Journal of Hospital Infection
SN - 0195-6701
IS - 1
ER -