The interpretability of doctor identification badges in UK hospitals: a survey of nurses and patients.

Introduction: Hospital badges have multiple important purposes, but their essential role remains the clear identification of the bearer, including their professional status. The modernisation of medical careers in the National Health Service has changed terminology dramatically, resulting in a plethora of new job titles emerging among both doctors and nurses.

Objective: To determine whether the new or old terminology allowed clearer identification of medical doctors by patients and nurses.