It is relatively common to see healthcare employees in their uniforms outside of the workplace. Research has shown that microorganisms can be transmitted from patient to employee, resulting in concern that pathogens on the uniforms may then be spread to other individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and practices of physician assistant (PA) students and practicing PAs in Kansas regarding the manner of wearing medical uniforms outside the clinical setting. A majority of respondents (82%) to an email survey admitted to wearing work attire in public after seeing a patient. Professional organizations should consider the development of educational programs to increase awareness of the possibility of disease transmission from clothing worn in the clinical setting.

Paper presented to the 6th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, April 23, 2010.Research completed at the Department of Physician Assistant, College of Health Professions