In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics (translated from Korean as “Journal of Engineered Fibers and Textiles”), researchers have tackled a long-standing issue in healthcare: the discomfort and anxiety patients often experience during medical examinations due to ill-fitting and impractical clothing. Led by Yujin Hong from the Department of Fashion and Textiles at Seoul National University, the research team set out to redesign medical examination garments with a user-centered approach, aiming to enhance both patient comfort and clinical efficiency.
Traditional medical examination clothing often leaves patients feeling vulnerable and exposed, which can heighten anxiety and make the examination process more challenging for both patients and medical professionals. To address these issues, the research team conducted an extensive study involving 1800 examinees through an online survey and 13 medical professionals through focus group interviews. This mixed-method approach allowed them to gather comprehensive feedback and identify key design requirements.
Based on the feedback, the team developed prototype garments that addressed the specific needs of both patients and medical professionals. One notable innovation was the adjustment of the overlap length in colonoscopy pants, which significantly improved patient comfort during various stages of the medical process, including walking, using the restroom, and undergoing examinations. “The redesigned clothing not only reduces anxiety related to body exposure but also streamlines clinical procedures,” said lead author Yujin Hong.
The evaluation process included a wear test with 15 participants and demonstrations for 5 medical professionals. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with both examinees and medical professionals reporting higher levels of satisfaction with the new garments. The study highlights the effectiveness of a user-centered approach in redesigning medical clothing, showing that thoughtful, feedback-driven designs can enhance patient experiences and streamline clinical procedures.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For medical examination centers, the redesigned clothing offers practical benefits, including improved patient satisfaction, reduced anxiety, and increased procedural efficiency for medical staff. As Yujin Hong noted, “This study demonstrates the importance of considering the needs of both patients and medical professionals in the design of medical clothing. By doing so, we can create garments that are not only more comfortable but also more functional.”
The findings of this study could shape future developments in the field of medical textiles, encouraging more innovative and patient-centered designs. As healthcare systems worldwide continue to evolve, the focus on patient comfort and clinical efficiency will likely become even more critical. This research serves as a compelling example of how interdisciplinary collaboration and user-centered design can drive meaningful improvements in healthcare.
Published in the Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics, this study underscores the potential of innovative textile design to transform the patient experience and enhance the efficiency of medical procedures. As the healthcare industry continues to prioritize patient-centered care, the insights from this research could pave the way for more comfortable, practical, and efficient medical examination clothing in the future.