Effect of physician attire on patient perceptions of empathy in Japan: a quasi-randomized controlled trial in primary care

Abstract Background There is limited quantitative research on the effect of physician attire patient–physician relationships. This study aimed to measure influence Japanese family physicians’ “human” aspects medical care in terms patient-perceived relational empathy. Methods was a multicenter, prospective, controlled trial conducted primary clinics Japan. We explored effects (white coat vs. casual attire) Family physicians were allocated alternate weeks wearing white or during consultations. Patients’ perceptions empathy evaluated using self-rated Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure. used linear mixed model analyze CARE Measure scores, adjusting for cluster patients nested within doctor, age, sex patients, doctors’ years clinical experience. same method with Bonferroni adjustment patient differences perceived Results A total 632 seven coat-wearing consultations ( n = 328), attire-wearing 304). no difference scores between overall p 0.162). Subgroup analysis showed that male significantly higher Casual group than White (adjusted -value 0.044). female groups 1.000). Conclusions demonstrated setting did not affect overall. However, reported Although cannot be reduced simple variables such as attire, coats may have negative depending context. should choose their carefully. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN-ICDR). Clinical identifier number UMIN000037687 (Registered August 14, 2019, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000042749 ). The prospectively registered.