Perception of Pediatric Physiciansâ Attire by Children and Parents withinGeneral Pediatrics Practice in Saudi Arabia

Background: Physicians’ attire can play a critical factor in patient-doctor relationship. Such relationship is necessary to improve healthcare outcomes and eventually lead to healthier children. Objective: This study aims to assess perceptions of Saudi children and parents toward physicians’ attire within inpatient general pediatrics settings. To our knowledge, no such assessment has been presented until now. Methods: A questionnaire was adopted and evaluated by pilot study. Then, data were collected from parents along with certain demographic data within inpatients general pediatrics settings. Results: Perceptions of attire differ according to physician’s gender. Wearing scrubs was found more professional, approachable, and trust-worthy for male physicians by parents while wearing conservative long black skirts with lab coat perceived similarly for female physicians. However, wearing summer dress and Saudi traditional attire thought to jeopardies infection controls. Furthermore, children found these attires more intimidating. Although majority of parents thought wearing lab coat is necessary, most of children disagreed. Also, discordance in perception of decorated stethoscopes was observed. Surprisingly, tennis shoes were the preferred shoes for both male and female physicians. Conclusion: Physicians’ attire can be interpreted as indicator of professionalism which could impact patient-doctor relationship. Moreover, children can perceive physician attire differently from their parents.