A recent New Zealand study has shown that hospital gowns can contribute to feelings of vulnerability and disempowerment among patients.
A randomised clinical trial conducted at a medical school clinic in New Zealand found that patients who were required to wear hospital gowns during their consultation reported significantly higher levels of dehumanisation compared to those who were allowed to keep their own clothes.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved 74 participants who were randomly assigned to either wear a hospital gown or their own clothes during a standard hospital admission interview. Researchers analysed participants’ speech patterns, blood pressure, and completed a questionnaire to assess feelings of dehumanization.
Key findings of the study:
There were no significant differences in the number of words spoken by participants or their blood pressure between the two groups. However, patients who wore hospital gowns reported significantly higher levels of dehumanisation compared to those who wore their own clothes. Feedback from participants included: “Wearing a gown…made me feel uncomfortable and vulnerable…made me less likely to feel confident [to]speak up in an assertive manner” (patient 26, male). “Wearing the hospital outfit made me feel much more like a patient…” (patient 13, male).
Feeling dehumanized can negatively impact a patient’s experience and may hinder their ability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers. This can lead to poorer health outcomes and lower satisfaction with care.
To mitigate the negative effects of hospital gowns, gowns should only be used when medically necessary, such as during invasive procedures or when infection control is a concern. Healthcare providers should whenever possible, allow patients to keep their own clothes on during hospital stays, therefore prioritising patient comfort and dignity by treating patients with respect and empathy.
By implementing these strategies, healthcare facilities can help to create a more humane and patient-centered environment.
Paper: Punchihewa GCBroadbent E. Patient Gowns and Dehumanization During Hospital Admission: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(12):e2449936. Access online here.
