Do you wear scrubs as a private GP when seeing patients?

When considering whether to wear scrubs as a private GP, it's important to weigh the various factors that may influence your decision.

Reasons to Wear Scrubs

Maintaining hygiene levels is often highlighted as a key benefit of wearing scrubs. They constitute a layer of protection that can help uphold the stringent infection control standards that private practices need to demonstrate.

Scrubs are designed specifically for clinical settings, making them ideal for infection control. Their use can minimise the risk of cross-contamination, a critical factor in delivering safe patient care.

Moreover, scrubs can protect your professional attire from potential spills or stains during patient interactions, which might not only save on costly dry-cleaning bills but also maintain a professional appearance throughout the day.

Ease and convenience also play a significant role. Scrubs are easy to wash, dry quickly, and remove the hassle of deciding outfits daily, which is particularly convenient for GPs with busy schedules.

Reasons Not to Wear Scrubs

While practical, some may find scrubs uncomfortable or not suited to their personal preferences for attire as they can be perceived as hot or restrictive compared to regular clothing.

Some GPs opt for their own clothing to present a less clinical appearance, aiming to create a more relaxed atmosphere for patients, which can enhance patient comfort and trust.

Ultimately, the choice might come down to personal preference, practice policy, or the specific environment within which a private GP works.

What Do the CQC Say?

Interestingly, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) does not mandate that private GPs wear any specific uniform, including scrubs. Instead, the emphasis is on demonstrating adherence to infection control protocols. Thus, the choice of clothing should prioritise the ability to maintain safe and hygienic standards, whether through scrubs or other professional attire.

“In my practice, our private GPs wear scrubs when they are with a patient. I think it looks professional and ensures we are adhering to a high standard of infection control. It also removes the likelihood that our doctors' own clothes will become damaged by any substances.”

Ultimately, whether you choose to wear scrubs can reflect a combination of professional judgement, personal comfort, and practice standards. For practices harnessing technology such as EMIS Web for patient records or Hero Health for engagement, maintaining high standards of infection control and patient interaction perhaps becomes more streamlined and integrated into the daily operation, allowing you to focus on what attire best fits your practice style.