Compassionate Coverage: A Patient Access Linen System

Abstract

Background: Patient attire is paramount to patient's dignity and overall experience. In this pilot study and in concert with a designer and clinician, we developed, patented, tested, and evaluated patient and provider preference and experience with a novel patient gowning system. Our objective was to survey obstetrics and gynecology hospital inpatients' and providers' experience with a novel hospital attire system; the patient access linen system (PALS). Methods: Patients were provided a PALS item at the beginning of a provider's shift or at the start of an outpatient visit. Following their use of the PALS item, the patients and providers completed a separate multiple-choice and free-response question survey. Surveys were completed by patients each time a PALS item was returned to the provider for processing. Results: Patients and providers had a significantly positive experience with the PALS. The majority of patients had positive responses to each question about comfort and function of the PALS system, showed consistent preference for the PALS in comparison to a traditional hospital gown and demonstrated that comfort of hospital clothing is a priority for patients. The majority of providers found PALS easy to use when compared to the traditional gown with regard to clinical examinations. Conclusion: Patients in our pilot prioritized hospital attire as a key element in their overall hospital experience, and both patients and providers preferred the PALS system over the traditional hospital gown. Further study is needed on patient attire and evaluation of the potential clinical impact of the PALS.

Healing by Leaps and Gowns: A Novel Patient Gowning System to the Rescue

“…Based on positive feedback from our initial pilot (OB/GYN patients), we decided to study the PALS including male and female medical and surgical patients (11). As established in the pilot, the PALS studied here similarly enhanced patient and provider experience compared to the traditional hospital gown.…”

“…In response to the growing need for a better experience, we developed and patented the Patient Access Linen System (PALS), maintaining patients’ modesty and ease of examination for providers (11). The PALS reintroduces dignity to the hospital experience.…”

“…Although there have been attempts to address this issue, synergism of function and form (allowing full coverage for patients while permitting examination of discrete anatomic areas for providers) has been missing (11). Patient experience is key in the triad of patient safety and clinical efficacy.…”

“…Common adjectives used are "exposed, vulnerable, uncomfortable, cold, embarrassed, and disempowered" to describe the traditional gown (3). A more appropriate description might be "open and froze from your nose to your toes" (11). Additionally, the traditional gown thrusts the "sick" role on patients and loss of healthy identity (6).…”

Patient Clothing as a Healing Environment: A Qualitative Interview Study

“…Patient clothing originated in the 19th century when hospitals needed to improve hygiene and arrange suitable clothing for poor patients [ 10 ]. Patient clothing is the most important factor in maintaining a patient’s dignity and well-being and is one of the first factors encountered during hospitalization [ 11 ]. In addition, patient clothing is a part of the treatment environment, along with medical technology and equipment, and wearing patient clothing becomes an active therapeutic medium in the relationship between medical staff and patients by recognizing it as an object in the treatment process [ 7 ].…”