Uniforms: a comparative evaluation of tunic tops.

Aim: The aim of this study was to produce a recommendation for selection of a tunic top for female nurses, based on previously established ergonomic criteria.

Method: Four tunic top designs were evaluated using functional tests, including anthropometry, body-part discomfort charts, product feature questionnaires and comparative ranking. A convenience sample of nurses from one trust wore the tunics during the study tests. The trial draws heavily on previous research on nurses' uniforms and applies ergonomic criteria to tunic top design.

Results: The researchers were not able to identify on optimum design using the results of the trial. The tunics compared were relatively restrictive, with one tunic being identified as the least restrictive of the four.

Conclusion: The researchers are now taking this initiative forward in a participatory ergonomics project with nursing staff to try to produce a uniform design that will meet functional ergonomic criteria. Prototypes will be evaluated using the protocol from this trial.