Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
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Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
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I recently started work at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital where the second series of Junior Doctors –Our life in their hands was filmed. During the induction week in August we were greeted
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Forums » Open clinical » General clinical » Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
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Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
posted at 27/3/2012 12:00 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 5
First: 27/3/2012 Last: 2/4/2012 |
I recently started work at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital where the second series of Junior Doctors –Our life in their hands was filmed. During the induction week in August we were greeted by the Chief Executive who set out a new vision for junior doctors attire at the trust. A recent patient satisfaction survey at the hospital revealed that patients felt they couldn’t identify their doctors clearly. To tackle this, new oversized name badges and lab coats were introduced which were compulsory. This news was met with a very mixed response. Some thought it was great; a place to keep their handbooks, stethoscope and biscuits whereas others vehemently opposed this new move. So I pose the question – should junior doctors wear lab coats? If not what should they wear? Does your hospital have a dress code? |
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Re: Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
posted at 27/3/2012 12:38 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 29
First: 20/2/2012 Last: 22/12/2012 |
Of course I'm biased but I don't think doctor's should be made to wear a 'uniform' to work. It's understandable that this idea was implemented following a patient satisfaction survey, and it is the patients that we serve after all but our duties should only have to extend to offering them excellent health care. I realise we are civil servants but I don't think professionals at our level should be told how to dress. You wouldn't make a lawyer or a banker wear a uniform to work would you? |
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Re: Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
posted at 27/3/2012 3:43 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 7
First: 26/3/2012 Last: 4/4/2012 |
It's interesting that it is only the junior doctors that are expected to wear lab coats! If this was implemented because patients couldn't recognise a doctor, why does it not apply to all the ranks? Also, with some commenting that it was a good place to store books, stethoscopes and other essentials to life of a junior on the wards, what do people think about the new trend to carry a cross over pouch or even a handbag? |
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Re: Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
posted at 27/3/2012 4:34 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 1287
First: 9/12/2011 Last: 24/5/2013 |
Maybe Scrubs! By the way, Why is there no equivalent to scrubs for the rest of the workforce? I am jealous. I have to wear uniforms as a Police officer for my 32 years of Law Enforcement, and when I was a paramedic, I wore a White Uniform shirt, over Black Pants for my hospital rotations, and Camo uniform in army as a Combat Medic/MP. But never can I wear scrubs. Doctors have this awesome advantage, Why can I not wear scrubs to work as a CBRN consultant? Maybe with a big NUCLEAR symbol on the front, Yeah. DuaneF |
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Re: Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
posted at 27/3/2012 5:05 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 3
First: 5/2/2009 Last: 12/3/2013 |
The evidence shows that lab coats carry bacteria after a few hours of in hospital use. In an environ such as we work in, I would prefer doctors to wear a clean lab coat daily, or clean scrubs. The latter seems easier to implement. |
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Re: Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
posted at 27/3/2012 5:17 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 1
First: 27/3/2012 Last: 27/3/2012 |
yep deffo. I guess i'm quite old now but back at the London in the 1980s med studes had white coats with blue stripes...us house officers had just plain white coats. And they were great fer stuffing all yer stuff in - surgeons got very upset if they were grubby. I think they were COOL so why not have a resurgence of retro 80's white coats? dave |
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Re: Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
posted at 27/3/2012 7:44 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 2
First: 27/3/2012 Last: 8/1/2013 |
Scrubs as a uniform would be ideal. They are practical, comfortable and clean - get changed once you arrive so the scrubs haven't been worn outside. Could have different colours so you still have a choice. And if you spill your lunch, a quick change and you're sorted! Then again, look how cool Wilson etc on House look in their lab coats, doesn't seem like too bad an idea to me! Would save having to always find trousers with pockets! Seriously though, agree with DuaneF - other public service professions have their own uniform, so why should doctors be different? |
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Re: Should junior doctors wear lab coats?
posted at 27/3/2012 11:51 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 4
First: 27/3/2012 Last: 24/1/2013 |
well it depends on each hospital policy generally speaking i think drs should dress neatly to reflect thier status in the society. the house officers will benefit from ward coat because they have a lot to do with patients in the ward.drolanrewaju joel. |
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