Before there was medical lab coats for doctors, scientists were the first group of people who first wore a white lab coat. At that time, their research proved that most of the medication that doctors used was inferior. During that period also, scientists were very much respected and trusted, especially in the field of medicine. And for this reason, doctors started wearing lab coats in order to achieve some extra level of trust and respect, which also serves as a symbol of seniority.
As of now, white lab wear can be generally seen being worn in many different areas of the medical profession. The design and length of the jacket you use will depend on the policies enforced on a particular establishment you are working in. The way you wear them will also vary depending on which medical field you might be working in, or what may be ethical in your place of work.
Medical lab coats are important to doctors and other people in the medical field because they primarily protect the clothing that is underneath the jacket. Since they are typically working in an environment that involves different kinds of mess and spills, lab jacket are highly recommended or even mandatory to be worn in the workplace every time.
Lab jacket also enhance the image and overall look of doctors and other people in the medical field. These outfits give a unique presentation and help command respect and integrity.
It is important to note however that medical lab wear are not created in the same way and there are some important factors you might want to consider before buying yourself one. They include: resistance from stains and wrinkles, pockets available for storage and coat openings which allow accessibility to what is worn underneath it.
Nowadays, these coats are no longer restricted to the generic styles and designs as what the early doctor and scientists have been using. There are styles like lab jackets, slipover lab gowns, lab vests, and fitted lab coats. They are also much more customized to fit in the individual sizes of men and women.
Besides lab vest with a blend of polyester and cotton, they can also come in a 100% cotton variant. It also has the benefit of being much more comfortable and breathable, although it needs to be well taken care of and can be more expensive too. A 100% polyester white coat has the benefit of being more stain resistant.
There is also an issue with medical jacket which has something to do with etiquette. The colors of the jacket are highly debated, whether certain colors need to be restricted to particular persons in the medical field, or whether black colored ones should be used at all. Another issue has something to do with the buttons, whether it should be buttoned all the way or left completely unbuttoned.
Whatever the case maybe, the proper wearing of medical lab coats will always vary from person to person, and will always depend on standards set by an individual's workplace and what medical field they belong.
There's nothing more intimidating for a patient than to see an unknown medical professional walk into the room. Whether the patient is in for a routine medical exam or to find out the test results of a biopsy, a patient that is sitting there waiting for someone to come in is going to be nervous. Someone in a white coat is going to talk with them and give them information that may affect their life.
But is it the white coat that really matters? Studies have shown that the white coat does affect the way you are perceived as a medical professional - sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. You should take into account that wearing a white coat means different things to different patients, so learning about their possible perceptions can give you insight into their reaction to you.
One of the first associations of the white coat is power over the patient. Someone wearing a white coat is seen as an authority for the patient. Even those that aren't medical professionals per se - medical researchers, front desk clerks, and others in a medical office - can be given personal medical information because they appear to be authoritative figures. With this assumption of authority, some patients may defer completely to whatever person wearing the white coat has to say. And while this makes for an easy appointment, it may not be the best course of action for the patient. Be sure to ask the following questions if your patient seems to be deferring to everything you say:
How do you feel about the diagnosis?
How do you feel about the treatments I've suggested?
Would you like to set up a second opinion?
Are there any questions that you have?
Would you like to hear about the alternatives?
When you give your patient multiple options to talk about their feelings, they will begin to feel as though they are in a relationship, rather than a one sided situation.
A white lab coat can also be perceived as something more negative to other patients. To some, the white coat can be seen as a 'high and mighty' symbol for the doctor. They may see it portraying an attitude that says 'I'm better than you' and begin to feel distaste for the person wearing it. If you feel like the patient is reacting in this manner, you might want to try walking into the office without the white coat on and then put it on when you are entering the room. This will show that you only wear the coat when you are actively working with the patient, rather than as a status symbol.
Just like any uniform for any other profession, the white lab coat can affect the way you are perceived by your patients. And this can be a good thing. For some patients, it's reassuring to see the white coat as they associate it with someone being smarter on the subject than they are. They trust the person to tell them the truth and to give them a straight answer when asked. But patients will also want you to have all the answers they need - and even you can't know everything.
You will find that certain patients, like those that are older, favor physicians and medical professionals that wear the white coat, while those that are younger would rather see you in more casual clothes. In the end, this choice is up to you (and perhaps the hospital you work for), but whatever helps your patients connect with you is that best choice for their health and your ability to serve them well.
Both Stanley Haggy & Grant Eckert are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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