The hospital gown is a functional garment designed to balance patient comfort with the necessity of medical access for healthcare providers. Its primary function is to allow quick access to the patient’s body for examinations, treatments, or in emergency situations without requiring the removal of clothing. The design also simplifies the process of changing the garment, which is important for maintaining hygiene and providing care to patients with limited mobility. The gown is engineered specifically to support efficient medical care and infection control within the facility.
Determining Gown Orientation (Front vs. Back Opening)
The initial decision when donning a hospital gown is which way the open side should face. The typical patient gown is a loose-fitting garment with a split down the middle of one side, secured with ties. For general comfort and modesty, the open side should face the back. This standard orientation allows healthcare staff to easily reach the back of the torso for procedures like injections or physical exams, while the front of the body remains covered. However, a medical professional may instruct the patient to wear the gown with the opening facing the front for specific clinical reasons, such as examinations that demand unobstructed access to the chest or abdomen.
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing the Back Ties
When wearing the gown in the standard, open-back configuration, securing the ties involves two main connection points: the neck and the mid-back or waist. The first step is to manage the upper ties located behind the neck. These ties are often positioned right above the shoulders and should be tied together first to ensure the gown remains secured on the body.
A simple bow or loop knot should be used for all ties, as this allows for quick release by medical staff or the patient later. Avoid double-knotting, which can make the gown difficult to remove, especially if the patient has limited mobility. If reaching the back of the neck is challenging, the patient can tie this knot in the front and then slip the tied loop over their head.
The second set of fasteners is located at the mid-back or waist level, and securing these further closes the rear gap. If these ties are reachable, they should be pulled together and fastened with a loose bow to minimize the gap down the back. For patients who are lying down for extended periods, leaving the lower ties undone might be preferable to prevent the knot from pressing uncomfortably into the back.
Strategies for Increased Modesty
The open design of the hospital gown often leads to patient concerns about feeling exposed, particularly when getting out of bed or walking through hallways. A highly effective method for ensuring full coverage is the “double gown” technique. This involves wearing one gown with the opening facing the back, secured as usual, and then donning a second gown with the opening facing the front.
The second gown is worn like a robe over the first, creating a complete barrier that covers both the front and the back while still allowing staff to access the ties of the outer garment. Alternatively, if the medical requirement is for the gown to be worn with the opening to the front, the ties can sometimes be wrapped around the patient’s sides. This allows the ties from the back edges of the gown to be brought forward and fastened near the hip, securing the garment more like a wrap-around robe.
For patients who must move outside of their room, using a designated hospital robe or a blanket draped around the shoulders provides an additional layer of privacy. This helps maintain dignity during transport or while waiting for procedures without interfering with the gown’s primary function of providing medical observation.