Evaluating how physician attire affects patient trust

Factors That Affect Trust Between Physicians and Patients

Loma Linda University · NCT06125431

This study looks at how the way doctors dress affects how much trust patients feel towards them in a hospital setting.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLoma Linda University (other)
Locations1 site (Loma Linda, California)
Trial IDNCT06125431 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess how patients perceive and prefer physician attire in a medical-surgical hospital setting. Hospitalists will rotate between wearing surgical scrubs and professional attire with a white coat, and patients will complete surveys regarding their perceptions of the attire after interacting with the hospitalists. The study will gather insights on the impact of clothing on the trust relationship between patients and physicians. The findings could inform best practices for physician attire in clinical settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are admitted to the medical-surgical unit at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with altered mental status, or severe sensory impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the doctor-patient relationship by identifying attire that fosters greater trust.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on physician attire and patient perception exist, this specific approach of comparing two attire styles in a controlled hospital setting is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects 18 years of ages or older
* Admitted to LLUMC medical surgical unit, under care of internal medicine physician
* Primary language is English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

* Less than 18 years of age
* altered mental status or severe dementia
* Hearing or vision impairment that would preclude subject from completing survey

Where this trial is running

Loma Linda, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Trust

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.