Mitigating the gender gap: How “DOCTOR” badges affect physician identity

Patients and their families frequently misclassify female physicians in the Emergency Department (ED) as non-physicians. Physician misidentification impacts environment of care on multiple levels; including patient satisfaction physician well-being. Implementing “DOCTOR” badges may be a low-cost tool to rectify these problems. The study was conducted large urban academic medical center. Badges with title distributed 83 Medicine (EM) residents 28 EM Attendings department. After 3 months, were surveyed assess efficacy intervention. Descriptive data, univariable, multivariable analyses conducted. There 98 respondents pre-intervention survey 87 post-intervention survey. 91% reported that they misidentified by patients families. Compared male physicians, disproportionately more likely non-physician 43% vs 97%, respectfully, 95% CI: [37,66], p < 0.0001. wearing badges, postintervention showed decrease 81.6%, 15.4% decrease, = 0.03. Being valued 73.7% vs. 44.9% CI [7.9,46], 0.007. Similarly, 64.3% felt less frustration misclassification, 81.6% 51% [10.5,47], 0.0033. Female are feel undervalued when clarifying roles. In only span we found use decreased improved outcomes enhance wellness. Having wear badge simple effective long-term solution this issue.