Evaluation of parents' perception of doctor's attire at neuropediatric clinic.

The white coat has served as symbol of doctors for over 100 years. There is no consensus among pediatricians whether they should wear the white coat or not. Neuropediatricians are in especially delicate position since their neurological evaluation is largely dependent on child's cooperation during examination. White coat, as a symbol, often elevates stress in children. Studies addressing this problem do not exist. We tried to assess parent's view of the problem, assuming that they know their children well. Consecutive parents accompanying their children for neuropediatric consultancy were offered to self-complete questionnaire containing 4 questions and to state their educational level. A total of 146 parents filled the questionnaire. A total of 50 (34.2%) thought that doctors should wear white coats, 68 (46.6%) answered that they should not. Parents thought that not wearing a white coat can help having more cooperation in neurological examination in 67 cases (45.9%), and only 16.4% thought it should not make investigation more stressful. Majority (79.5%) of parents did not think that symbolism of white coat should help in better dealing with neuropediatric patients. Infection was not of major concern for parents if doctor does not wear a coat (17.8%). Comparison of results did not show statistically significant difference in answers regarding educational level of parents. Given that parents did not show clear preference regarding doctor's white coat in neuropediatric clinic, and given that it is not clear whether white coat could prevent spreading of infection or actually increase the risk, dress codes should be tailored to individual doctors' practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]