Clinical attire preference among patients in military healthcare facilities in Kuwait

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Military healthcare professionals often consult patients while wearing their full military uniforms, which may affect patients’ clinical experience. This study aims to understand patients’ opinion concerning clinicians’ attire with regard to patients’ preference, ease in declaring personal or private information, comfort in asking for further information or raising concerns, and confidence in maintaining privacy and confidentiality in a military setting. Methods Patients attending outpatient clinics in two military medical facilities in Kuwait were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their preference for clinician attire and any effect on their comfort or confidence in the clinicians. The study took place in 2021. Results The overall response rate was 94.6% (n = 937). Most participants were neutral regarding all statements. However, female participants preferred their doctors to be in military uniforms in comparison with males (P = 0.000). Non-Kuwaiti participants felt more comfortable sharing private/personal information and asking for clarification or raising concerns with a doctor in military uniform (p = 0.007). Civilian participants also preferred doctors in military uniform (p = 0.000). Officers preferred their doctor to be in military uniform (p = 0.014), whereas non-commissioned officers preferred their doctor to be in civilian attire (p = 0.000). Conclusion Patients visiting military medical facilities do not prefer a certain attire, and attire does not influence their perception of the physicians’ competence. This may lead us to conclude that doctors’ attire, regardless of being civilian or military, may not be the most concerning factor regarding the patient’s confidence and comfort and that the doctor-patient relationship is more vital. Therefore, further investigation of the psychological impact of doctor’s attire is highly recommended.