Patient perceptions and preferences of physicians' attire in Saudi primary healthcare setting.

: Since the time of Hippocrates, dress of the care-giver has been known to influence patient's perception about the physician. To explore patient's preference about physician's dress in Saudi primary healthcare, and how it influences their perception, regarding professionalism, competence, and confidence in the physician. A cross sectional study conducted in primary care clinics in Riyadh, enrolling 443 patients, who filled a self-administered Arabic questionnaire, enquiring about physician clothes such as white coat, scrubs and 'thob (white-robe) shomagh (head cover)' for males, 'veil-skirt' for females, and shoes.