Development and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Patient Gowns for Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

The use of a hospital gown begins with the patient's admission to the hospital and continues until discharge. The traditional hospital gowns used today were designed in the early 1900s. These gowns feature a design that ties at the back and has no opening at the front. Although there have been many innovations and changes in patient care over the years, patient gowns have remained one of the few elements that have remained unchanged in the treatment and care process. Since patient gowns are provided by the hospital, it is common for them not to be tailored to the patient and to fail to meet individual needs.

The negative effects of current hospital gowns are addressed in the literature from various perspectives. The first of these is a loss of control and emotional distress. It has been reported that wearing a hospital gown creates a distinct sense of loss of control in patients, increases stress levels, and reinforces feelings of exclusion.

Another significant area of concern is violations of privacy and dignity. Because the design of the traditional hospital gown does not adequately protect privacy, it leads to feelings of shame and a sense of being exposed and vulnerable among patients.

Physical discomfort and restricted mobility are also among the frequently criticized aspects of current gowns. The literature indicates that the lacing systems of gowns are difficult to use, do not fit the body properly, and restrict patients' movements. Additionally, the need for assistance when putting on or taking off a gown makes patients dependent on family members or healthcare professionals. It is noted that these functional limitations lead to more serious problems, particularly in elderly, obese, or mobility-impaired individuals.

All these factors lead to dissatisfaction among both patients and healthcare workers. Studies indicate that current patient gowns are not only impractical but also undermine patient identity and self-confidence, which negatively impacts the care process. For example, following surgical treatment, patients are advised to spend at least two hours out of bed on the day of surgery and six hours on subsequent days. However, the open back of the traditional patient gown prevents patients from safely leaving their room and walking around.