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Survey: Majority of pediatric ophthalmologists opt out of wearing white coats
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PHILADELPHIA — White coats are one of the most frequent images associated with physicians, dating back to the late 1800s, but most pediatric ophthalmologists do not choose to wear them, according to a speaker here.
Even though parents and patients may prefer the physician wear a white coat, most pediatric ophthalmologists do not wear them to avoid risk of spreading infection, Caroline N. DeBenedictis, MD, said at the Wills Eye Institute Annual Conference.
Caroline N. DeBenedictis
“In fact the National Health Service in the U.K. has already adopted a policy banning white coats, long sleeves and ties by doctors due to risk of infection,” she said.
DeBenedictis reported a U.S. study wherein 599 surveys regarding the use of white coats in pediatric ophthalmology were distributed; 96% were completed by attending physicians and 4% by fellows. Study results showed 74% of attending physicians and 80% of fellows do not routinely wear white coats, she said.
White coats have been shown to become contaminated with bacteria once the physician comes into contact with a patient, which causes concern of spreading infection between patients, DeBenedictis said.
However, simply wearing the white coat could affect the doctor-patient relationship, as well as satisfaction of patient care, she said, because some parents and patients prefer physicians to wear them.
Disclosure: DeBenedictis has no relevant financial disclosures.