A timeless saying that has circulated for as long as I can remember goes something like “80% of perception is reality”. For many people this statement can either go way over their heads or can be captured and understood for what it really means. Let’s face it, we all make judgements in those first minutes – perhaps even “seconds” that an encounter occurs. It’s these initial impressionable moments that can shape how we perceive a person, situation or action that leads a decision and comfort pathway of a relationship.
Over my career, I have had the opportunity to visit many hospitals and meet their biomedical teams. And in those visits, one of the first encounters (after finding the biomed shop either by following the steam pipes or looking for the morgue) is usually the welcoming introductory hand shake. But along with that human interaction most importantly the dress appearance of the staff is probably the most important initial subliminal impression that I receive. Now, I am going to stop here for a moment to say that there is a “good” number of very professional and appropriately dressed HTM service individuals in our ranks today. BUT, the variance of “dress code” or “appropriateness” is still overwhelmingly lesser than a healthcare profession such as ours should be commanding as the baseline. Clearly an opportunity here or “low hanging” fruit in enhancing the perception and projection to the clinical customer – that being the highest level of professionalism is present by those performing service and maintenance to their medical devices as seen by all of those in view within the clinical area.
Below I have listed by HTM service professional role my thoughts as to standards that will “Dress to Impress” any clinical stakeholder customer you encounter;
CE Site Manager or Supervisor – dress pants, collared business shirt (hand tie for the gentlemen) and dress coat for meetings.
BMET and Imaging Engineer – dress pants and collared business shirt or dress smock for the ladies. Obviously in areas such as the operating room, scrubs are the required attire but lab coats covering the scrubs should be worn at all times when outside of these settings.
Uniformity and appearance is a key success factor to any “team” in its intention to be perceived in a positive manner. It shines professionalism and confidence to all they encounter. Remember this fact – 80% of perception is reality! I’d rather reside on the higher decile side of this human nature factoid – Wouldn’t you?
