What do patients think about psychiatrist’s attire? A Croatian study

Abstract

The aim was to investigate patient attitudes regarding psychiatrist attire, sociodemographic characteristics, and mutual addressing. A total of 340 both inpatients and outpatients at a psychiatric hospital in Croatia were assessed about their preferences regarding psychiatrist wearing a name badge, gender, age, ways of mutual addressing, and attire. The majority of patients, inpatients significantly more often, thought that a psychiatrist should wear a name badge. Female patients preferred female psychiatrist more than male and vice versa. Inpatients also preferred female psychiatrist. Patients with affective and anxiety disorder were more likely to choose female psychiatrists, patients with addiction more often had no preferences, and patients with psychotic disorders preferred male psychiatrists. Younger patients preferred younger psychiatrists and inpatients preferred psychiatrists in the 35-50 age group. Patients with anxiety disorder more often opted for psychiatrists older than 50. Patients with anxiety disorders would rather be addressed by their first name, whereas patients with psychotic disorders more often preferred to be addressed by their title and surname. Patient attitude about how they should address the psychiatrist did not differ according to any of the variables assessed. Most patients thought that white coat was most appropriate attire for psychiatrist and psychiatrists in white coat were considered most competent, empathic, accessible, and friendly in comparison with psychiatrists wearing suits, smart attire, or casual clothing. Other than preference for white coat, patient preferences significantly differed according to their sociodemographic characteristics and diagnosis. Psychiatrists should bear that in mind to establish better rapport in doctor-patient relationship.

Keywords

• Psychiatrist attire
• Patient attitudes
• Age
• Gender