Talking about fashion is endless, in fact it is always innovating. If we look at the first time the clothes came out, they only had a few models. But now it has grown into hundreds of models, as well as pants. In this day and age, pants have various models such as streetwear shorts, jeans, chinos, etc. But this time we are not discussing it! Rather, it is about the model of clothing commonly worn by Health or Medical Workers.
Medical Workers Clothing?
Health workers need to wear medical clothing or special uniforms when on duty. In general, the clothes they use are self-protection. You may be used to seeing the variety of outfits worn by every doctor or hospital officer. From simple light-colored uniforms with v-neck designs, to white coats with long and short sleeves.
Did you know that the different outfits worn by health workers actually indicate different roles and activities that they will or are currently doing? The goal is that fellow health workers can easily capture the identity and responsibilities of uniform users. In addition, uniform differences that are easily recognizable, will also prevent patients from confusion.
What are Their Types?
Scrub Suits
First, there are scrub suits or sanitized scrub uniforms that are usually used by health workers when they enter the operating room. These clothes are worn by doctors, midwives, or nurses who are involved in operating activities. Hence, these uniforms are often also called OK clothes or camera operations. The design is simple to minimize contamination and facilitate washing. Scrub suits usually consist of a short-sleeved top with a v-neck or round neck shape, as well as pants with loose fit. In some cases, this suit is also worn by other hospital staff as a primary uniform, not limited to only during operations. The difference is usually in the color. Health workers who will perform surgery generally use scrub suits in bright blue or bright green colors. Meanwhile, for other staff, they usually have more color choices and are often grouped based on the specialization of the department in which the staff works.
Nurse Uniform
Second, there is also a nurse’s uniform. For a long time, nurses have been known to wear white suits. Both female and male nurses will generally wear a suit consisting of a short or long sleeve top combined with cloth trousers. For female nurses, there are also variations in the form of a knee-length cloth skirt.
Similar to scrub suits, nurse uniforms are also changing in terms of color. Therefore, it is not uncommon for us to meet nurses with uniforms that are not white, even though they are still light in color. Although the design is still familiar with the nurse uniform model from the past, the color of the suit will depend on the policies of each hospital. In many countries, nurse uniforms have even begun to be replaced with scrub uniforms.
Operation Uniforms
Third, there are operating theater uniforms. Unless you’ve had or waited for a relative to have surgery, you’ve probably never seen a healthcare professional wear it in person. However, this uniform is definitely familiar if you often watch medical-themed series. When health workers will carry out operations, they will wear a set of uniforms consisting of several elements. The main thing to wear is scrub suits which have been discussed previously. Then, the scrub suits will be layered with various additional uniforms consisting of medical aprons, head coverings, gloves, and surgical gowns. This surgical gown ensures that the health workers are in a sterile condition prior to the procedure. Not only protecting the officers who use it, this suit also prevents surgery patients from various chemicals, dirty particles, and harmful radiation.
Doctor’s Coat
The fourth and perhaps the most common is the doctor’s coat. Not only in hospitals, you may often see this type of outerwear in various clinics. In hospitals, doctors generally use them as secondary clothing to coat scrub suits when serving patients on practice schedules or regular checkups. General doctors’ coats are short-sleeved, while specialists wear long-sleeved coats.
Why Do They Use Clothes Full-Covered Their Body?
More Hygienic and Sterile
Medical clothing should be worn only on the job site to avoid contamination from the home and during travel to the patient in the hospital. This clothing is also to prevent infection contamination from the hospital to the house when the health workers finish working. Medical clothing is washed every day so it is more hygienic than the use of white coats or laboratory coats which are usually only washed once a few days. That way, health workers and patients can be protected from the risk of infection.
Look Professional and As An Identity
Wearing medical attire as a uniform with the same top and bottom colors makes health workers look professional and easier to identify. Some hospitals also apply the use of different colored scrubs between departments as self-identity.
Convenience
The pieces of clothing and the choice of materials that are flexible and absorb sweat will make health workers comfortable when wearing them, facilitate movement, and are functional. This uniform is also suitable for various body shapes and allows modification in several parts according to the needs of the user.
Saving Time
Health workers who are required to wear medical uniforms when working are actually more time efficient. They do not need to spend time choosing work clothes. Immediately put on the uniform then go to work.
In Addition
In the hospital, work clothes mean more than just appearance. With the uniform worn, patients and their families can easily identify hospital staff. If hospital staff do not use work clothes that are easily recognizable, it will further complicate the service process and confuse patients and families. Judging from the security side, hospitals as public service agencies are prone to be entered by irresponsible people. Cases of theft or other crimes against patients and their families are often triggered because patients and their families do not know the hospital staff well.
