Interesting study – most patients seem to want their physicians to wear white coats:
In contrast to doctors, who view white coats as an infection risk, most patients, and especially those older than 70 years, feel that doctors should wear them for easy identification. Further studies are needed to assess whether this affects patients’ perceived quality of care and whether patient education will alter this view.
I find wearing a white coat a matter of convenience – it provides easy access to my PDA, stethoscope, pens, and prescription pad. Without the white coat, I’d be leaving things all over the place.
