White effect - The white coat effect on the doctor-patient relationship

The white coat is a symbol of medicine and scientific endeavour, conveying assurance and know-how to patients. It instills feelings of trust and hope, but can also trigger deep fears. This volume analyses the multifaceted nature of the attire through interviews, memoirs, and the authors' reflections.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 76 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Edra Spa

The white coat has held a profound significance in the realm of medicine, representing the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the healthcare profession itself. Recent studies have revealed that healthcare professionals wearing white coats convey a greater sense of assurance and expertise to their patients compared to their colleagues in plain clothes. This evidence supports the enduring power of the collective imaginary that has been constructed over centuries, aided by various forms of artistic expression, television, and modern-day marketing. The emotions of trust and hope that are associated with the white coats, stemming from their color's purity and the compassion exhibited by healthcare professionals, have played a pivotal role in establishing them as the guardians of unwavering values.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the white coat can also evoke feelings of dread, apprehension, nervousness, and anxiety in patients, leading to deep and irrational fears. While these emotions do not undermine the patients' trust in the healthcare professional wearing it, they highlight the multifaceted nature of this attire, symbolizing the mission pursued by those who wear it.

To explore the various dimensions of the white coat, this volume employs a combination of interviews, memoirs, and the authors' personal reflections. Through these diverse sources, readers gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the white coat, its historical roots, and the profound impact it has on both healthcare professionals and patients.

Dimension: 210 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788821457005