Impact of Military Physician Rank and Appearance on Patient Perceptions of Clinical Competency in a Primary Care Setting

Abstract

The patient-physician interaction is an important aspect of primary care medicine. Few studies have investigated the military specific factors that influence these interactions. Using a cross-sectional survey, we evaluated the impact of physician rank and attire on a patient's confidence in their physician's medical abilities and willingness to disclose personal information. Patient perception was assessed in the domains of (1) confidence in physician's medical abilities and (2) comfort discussing sexual, psychological, and personal problems with a physician. Our results found physicians of higher rank showing a higher positive impact on patient's confidence compared to lower ranks (p < 0.0001). Patients were less comfortable discussing sexual (p = 0.001), psychological (p < 0.0001), and personal (p = 0.005) problems with an O-3 (Air Force Captain) than higher ranked physicians. Casual business attire negatively affected patient's confidence in their physician's abilities and in their comfort discussing sexual, psychological, and personal problems (p < 0.0001). Removing resident physician data did not significantly alter results. This pilot study on military rank and appearance shows a statistically significant impact to patient-physician interactions. Lower rank and casual attire is statistically detrimental to the patient's perception of their physician's abilities irrespective of resident physician involvement.

Patients attitude towards surgeons attire in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda

“…While our surveyed patient population consisted of only 150 patients, this is comparable with other studies (9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17). Based on these data, wearing of surgical scrubs should be adopted as the preferred surgical attire as it complies with BBTE policy and patients expectations of professional attire for surgeons.…”

“…The introduction of the BBTE policy in OLOL hospital is one such strategy. Studies to date suggest patients preferences regarding attire worn by hospital doctors varies depending on speciality and cultural background of patients (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18). Our surveyed patient population had a clear preference for surgical scrubs over shirt and tie with white coat and short leave shirt without white coat for their attending surgeon to be wearing.…”

What influences patients' willingness to choose in online health consultation? An empirical study with PLS–SEM

“…The physician rank includes a physician's hospital level, which reflects the physician's professional background, and physician's title, which is representative of a physician's experience. Therefore, a physician's rank can influence patients' perception of a physician's ability (Trowbridge and Pearson, 2013). The treatment effect can reflect patients' satisfaction with treatment results.…”

“…According to the hospital and title of the physician provided in the materials, do you think the physician has a high status? (Trowbridge and Pearson, 2013) (Koufaris and Hampton-Sosa, 2004) According to the hospital and title of the physician provided in the materials, do you think the physician has a good professional background? According to the hospital and title of the physician provided in the materials, to what extent do you think the physician and his hospital are widely recognized?…”

Análise da influência das habilidades de comunicação na empatia do médico, satisfação com o cuidado e confiança no profissional percebidas pelo paciente

“…É interessante notar, no entanto, que apesar de frequentemente pacientes contarem com ou mesmo citarem a competência clínica de seus médicos, eles estão em uma posição bastante desprivilegiada para fazer essa avaliação79 , já que não têm o conhecimento técnico para isso. Outras percepções menos objetivas são associadas a satisfação e confiança na literatura em saúde, como a humildade do médico 187 ou mesmo sua vestimenta188 .As percepções mais afetivas também são citadas pelos pacientes que participaram de nosso estudo. Ng e Luk 186 relatam que pacientes reportam mais satisfação com profissionais mais amigáveis, afetivos e cuidadosos.…”