Patients' perceptions of nurse uniforms.

This qualitative study was designed to discover what patients think of the uniforms worn by nurses in general practice, and whether they make a difference to the interactions between a patient and nurse. The results showed that a modern version of the traditional nurse's uniform is acceptable to most patients, especially for 'tasks and procedures'. Patients saw this aspect of a nurse's work as a lower priority than providing help, information and advice in a readily accessible manner, and for this a less traditional and more 'normal' outfit was more acceptable.