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.

Assessing university police officers’ uniforms and wearing experiences

“…The uniforms should have colors that are suitable to the University context, which in this case the wearers’ preferred the University athletic colors of black + red. This study results parallel a previous study (Kim et al , 2017) that looked at the sizing system of medical uniforms. Just as the sizing system of medical uniforms should be redeveloped based on both the male and female figures, it could be suggested the same for the police uniform in general.…”

“…The methodology for this study was based on the previous research (Kim et al , 20172011). The study recruits the police officers for the survey with a predeveloped questionnaire.…”

“…The methodology for this study was based on the previous research (Kim et al, 2017(Kim et al, ,2011.…”

“…Also, attention is given to functional values such as fit, comfort and mobility; to expressive needs including status, role and self-esteem; and to the aesthetic attributes related to design elements in the functional design process which is based on the specific needs of the target consumer (Ahsan and Tullio-Pow, 2014). There is substantial research and examples of functional garments, from a spacesuit and firefighter’s clothing for extreme environments, to physically disabled, for sports attire and for company, military, hospital and police uniforms (Chattaraman and Rudd, 2006; Kim et al , 2017; Yick et al , 2012). It is important to note that these design examples have multiple latent, potential functions.…”

“…The research questionnaire was developed based on the previous research (Brandewie et al, 2018;Kim et al, 2017Kim et al, ,2011 with 33 questions including a five-point Likert scale. The University police force consisted of approximately 74 police officers with full police authority and 26 security officers.…”