Background: Developing effective tools which enhance patient-physician communication is crucial to improving the patient experience. Existing research has shown that there are several components which are central to effective communication, including creating a good interpersonal relationship, facilitating exchange of information, and including patients in decision making. Based on our experience at an underserved community hospital [...]

Background: Although the intended purpose of the hospital gown is not to cause harm, it reinforces the role of being subordinate to the physician. Gowns put patients in a vulnerable position because they can be readily exposed all day. The identical, interchangeable patient gown reinforces the role of the lowly patient in the hospital hierarchy, [...]