Factors That Affect Trust Between Physicians and Patients

The goal of this study is to evaluate patient perception and preference in physician attire. Eligible subjects admitted to medical-surgical hospital unit will complete a survey expressing perceptions and preference regarding physician attire.

Hospitalists (internal medicine physicians) work in one week rotations. Each hospitalist will serve as a control. During one week rotation, the hospitalist will wear surgical scrubs throughout the rotation. At the end of the rotation (or prior to subject discharge, whichever occurs first), the hospitalist will ask subjects seen during that rotation to complete the survey regarding the hospitalist attire. During a second week of rotation, the hospitalist will wear professional attire with a white coat throughout that rotation. At the end of the rotation (or prior to subject discharge, whichever occurs first), the hospitalist will ask subjects seen during that rotation to complete the survey regarding the hospitalist attire.