As a care provider, you aim for the overall wellness of your patients, including their mental and emotional well-being. At the same time, medical care is a vulnerable and sometimes difficult experience for many patients. Choosing quality hospital gowns is one way you can show your patients kindness and instill dignity in their medical care experience. Here are three aspects of hospital gown design to consider.

Closures

Hospital gowns come in a variety of styles with closures in different areas. Often, different gowns are chosen according to the procedures a patient is receiving. Exams are simpler when a patient wears a front or side-closure. In contrast, patients who will be under medical care long-term typically use back-closure gowns. Regardless of the part of the gown that closes, it is important for the modesty of your patients that the gown overlaps well and includes a way to securely keep it closed (such as ties). Because hospital gowns have so many varieties, be sure that all the care providers in your facility explain to patients how to put on and wear the gown they are given.

Length

While hospital gowns are available in a variety of lengths, your patients’ comfort relies on your careful choice. Shorter gowns are appropriate for brief exams, but for any extended stays, opt for knee-length or longer. Not only do longer gowns allow for more modest coverage, but they can give your patients a further sense of dignity which research suggests increases their overall well-being. Of course, the length of a hospital gown should never interfere with medical care or a patient’s mobility. If patients struggle with walking already, it is best to keep gowns above the knee. However, when there are no further extenuating circumstances, research shows that patients feel more secure and respected with more coverage.

Sizing

Patients don’t only differ in medical needs, they also represent a variety of ages, sizes, and statures. To ensure that your patient feels well cared for, provide a wide range of hospital gown sizes. While one-size gowns fit many patients, keeping smaller and larger options on-hand ensures that no patients feel conspicuous at an already vulnerable time. Additionally, if your facility treats any children, be sure to stock plenty of child-sized gowns that provide adequate coverage without being oversized or impeding movement. Children especially need to feel cared for and protected during medical care, and well-fitting hospital gowns will assist in these measures.

Hospital gowns should be easy to wash, remain durable, and offer access for medical care. At the same time, the patients who wear them should feel cared for and comfortable whenever possible. Choosing gowns with your patients’ comfort in mind goes a long way toward promoting mental and emotional health in your facility. For the best prices and options in hospital gowns, check out the AAA Wholesale Company online catalog.