Analysis of user satisfaction for unisex medical uniforms

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the medical uniform wearers’ needs by surveying the current medical uniform sizing system and issues, and to evaluate fit satisfaction level of medical uniform wear by gender with scrub shirts, pants and coats.

Design/methodology/approach

Research was conducted using a quantitative questionnaire, and the respondents’ data results were analyzed using SPSS.

Findings

The distinguished difference from the medical uniform and daily wear was that the medical garments’ sizing system had only alphabet sizing options, and the wearing ease was larger than that of daily wear. Fabric preferences included the combination of “stretch fabrics + non-stretch fabrics”. All male respondents’ satisfaction levels were reported higher than those of female respondents. Respondents were the least satisfied with the pants, followed by the shirts, and the coat in that order. As the current medical uniform has been developed based on the male figure, there were significant needs overall for improving the fit of the female medical uniform.

Practical implications

The study quantified fit satisfaction levels to suggest specific improvements that should be made to the design and fit of the female pants along with the coat using new comfortable textiles to achieve better performance for all medical staff.

Originality/value

This research specifically evaluated fit satisfaction levels of the medical uniform provided by hospital institutions in Ohio, attempting to suggest improvements for future medical uniform and design development to increase overall fit satisfaction.

Citation

Kim, I., Brandewie, B. and Kim, M.-O. (2017), "Analysis of user satisfaction for unisex medical uniforms", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 162-177. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-04-2017-0013