Lab Coats and Scrubs – What to Look for When Purchasing and Why
Clinician scrubs and lab coats are uniforms. They are such an integral part of our daily lives that we may not think of them as such. Like all uniforms, they serve a purpose and engender certain feelings and perceptions, from both the medical professional wearing them and the patient or colleague observing them. Unfortunately, not all lab coats evoke positive reactions and this article will help to identify the factors that determine whether or not what clinicians wear actually meets all of their needs. Once identified, we’ll outline just what to look for in selecting scrubs and lab coats and where to find them.
Irrespective of setting — a private practice, clinic, or hospital — numerous studies have shown that when people don’t feel good about their appearance, it impacts their self-image, confidence, attitude, morale and performance. Inconsequently, choosing scrubs and lab coats wisely can have a direct impact on employee morale, behavior, attitudes, performance, retention, and patient perceptions. At a time of increasing challenges in healthcare staffing, knowing precisely what to look for can yield a positive return on investment, not only financially, but in employee satisfaction and the atmosphere that exists within the workplace. Conversely, not knowing what to look for can result in costly, unnecessary features.
Until recently, scrubs and lab coats were typically thought of as utilitarian. So called “unisex” sizing that would somehow fit both male and female body shapes was thought to be good enough. Uncomfortable, often coarse fabrics were the norm simply because they were cheap. Material that seemed to attract rather than repel stains and odors was accepted as an inherent part of medical practice.
Now, thanks to a few innovative manufacturers, healthcare uniforms are beginning to emerge from the dark ages of low expectations and unchallenged acceptance of low standards. Today’s vastly improved medical apparel is designed with both form and function in mind. Flattering performance wear that conveys confidence and professionalism, made of high quality fabrics that resist pilling, are hallmarks of modern medical apparel. When selecting scrubs and lab coats:
1. Choose scrubs and lab coats that are specifically designed for and sized to fit the anatomical dimensions of the person that will be wearing them. There is no such thing as “unisex”. Men’s and women’s body shapes are not the same. The term “unisex” is an oxymoron that, of all people, medical professionals should recognize.
2. Choose scrubs and lab coats that are designed to flatter the person wearing them, womens scrubs for women and mens for men. Baggy, sloppy, ill-fitting clothing communicates non-verbal messages (such as carelessness, low standards, insufficient attention to detail, etc.) to patients and fellow staff members. This is the opposite of what medical professionals seek to convey. Making it mandatory to wear frumpy, uncomfortable uniforms that chafe only exacerbates the frustration of the garment’s wearer.
3. Choose scrubs and lab coats that are functional. Garments should be designed with fabrics and construction that make them easy to clean yet durable enough to last for a minimum of two years without pilling. (Very few scrubs can meet this standard, calling into question the true “value” of most scrubs, especially those with “bargain” prices.) Finally, they should incorporate the latest high-tech fibers and treatments that not only enhance the feel of the garment but that effectively repel stains and odors.
4. Choose clinician scrubs and lab coats that are comfortable to wear. This is primarily a function of the feel or “hand” of the fabric and the construction of the garment, as well as the overall fit and design. Unfinished seams are perhaps the most common and obvious source of irritation. The garment’s design should allow enough freedom of movement to perform whatever tasks are required. Since clinicians typically need to carry with them certain medical instruments as well as personal items, the uniform should accommodate these items easily, unobtrusively, and securely.
Of course, after all of these considerations, one could still make the decision to purchase medical uniforms based on price, but at what cost? Scrubs and lab coats that stain easily or require professional cleaning will mean greater expenses for up keep and replacement. In the long run, providing employees with comfortable and flattering uniforms that are easy to maintain, goes a long way toward morale and performance. This is an especially important value proposition considering that employee retention is one of the best ways to keep costs down.
As we have summarized, it is possible to improve the image and perception of professionalism in the medical office, clinic and hospitals settings everywhere. Real-world examples have proven that adhering to the above criteria when selecting uniforms will result in the most desirable outcomes, meeting most, if not all, of the uniform’s objectives, while actually reducing the overall cost.
About the Author
Kimberly Green is a personal shopper who is exploring the wonderful world of gender sensitive clothing for one of the most important occupations in the world, medical care. Highlighting womens lab coats, clinician scrubs and nursing scrubs.
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