Is the white physician coat headed for the hanger?

New expert guidance from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, published online last week in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, could make the white coat a relic. The recommendations suggest that physicians ditch traditional white coats, which could carry germs, or at least hang up them up before seeing patients, USA Today reports.

Healthcare attire is steeped in culture and tradition, according to the guidance. However, “the role of attire in cross-transmission remains poorly established, and until more definitive information exists, priority should be placed on evidence-based measures to prevent healthcare-associated infections.” The article sought to provide general guidance to the medical community regarding healthcare personnel attire outside the operating room. 

The society’s other proposed guidelines include:  

• Wearing short sleeves
• Removing wristwatches and rings
• Avoiding neckties, or tucking them into labcoats or keeping them otherwise secured

Source: USA Today, Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America