Izvorni znanstveni članak

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2024.63.01.14

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

Maja Škarić ; Department of Psychiatry, Dr Ivan Barbot Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Popovača, Croatia *
Branka Aukst Margetić ; Department of Psychiatry, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Branimir Margetić ; Department of Psychiatry, Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
Sara Bestulić ; Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Youth, Zagreb, Croatia
Zdenkica Borko Ivandić ; Department of Psychiatry, Dr Ivan Barbot Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Popovača, Croatia

* Dopisni autor.

Sažetak

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.

Ključne riječi

Psychiatrist attire; Patient attitudes; Age; Gender

Hrčak ID:

322041

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/322041

Datum izdavanja:

1.4.2024.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 0 *