Hospital gowns, a ubiquitous sight in medical facilities, serve as a functional and necessary garment for patients undergoing treatment or examination. These gowns are designed to provide easy access for medical professionals while offering a degree of comfort and modesty for the patient. They vary in style, material, and design, catering to the diverse needs of patients and healthcare procedures. Let’s look at some of the different types of hospital gowns first. Then we’ll walk you through, step by step, how to put on and take off your gown, so you’ll be prepared and set up for success when it’s time for you to put one on.
Depending on the use case, there are several different types of hospital gowns, including the typical split-back gown, gowns designed specifically for expecting mothers or those undergoing surgery. There are isolation gowns that are worn by individuals who have an infectious or contagious disease. Snap-front gowns are designed to improve both the dressing experience and the overall aesthetics of the gown. You can learn more about some of the main differences between these types of hospital gowns.
What are Hospital Gowns?
Hospital gowns are loose-fitting garments worn by hospital patients during their stay in hospitals or clinics. They are typically made from lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or a cotton-polyester blend, which are gentle on the skin and can be easily laundered. The primary users of hospital gowns are patients, but certain types may also be worn by medical staff, especially in surgical or isolation settings.
How do Hospital Gowns Help Patients & Caregivers?
For patients, hospital gowns offer the necessary comfort and functionality required for various medical procedures and examinations. They facilitate easy access to different parts of the body, allowing healthcare providers to perform checks and treatments with minimal disturbance to the patient. For caregivers, these gowns simplify the process of changing and caring for patients, particularly those with mobility issues, ensuring a more efficient and less stressful experience.
How to Put on a Hospital Gown?
Step 1: Check the Type of Hospital Gown.
Identify whether you're using a full-back, split-back, snap-front, or isolation gown, as the method of putting it on may vary slightly. If you are unsure how to use it, ask a nurse before you begin the dressing process. If you are not comfortable with the type of gown you are offered, or are unsure if you will be able to put it on independently, speak with your nurse right away for assistance.
Step 2: Take Off Clothing.
Remove your clothing or change into the hospital gown in a private area or with the curtain drawn around your bed for privacy. Usually you will be provided a locked area to leave your belongings.
Step 3: Slip on the Hospital Gown.
For a split-back gown, open it and slip your arms through the sleeves, letting the gown drape behind you. You may need some assistance in tying the gown. For snap-front or full-back gowns, you may need to open the gown and wrap it around you, ensuring your arms go through the appropriate sleeves.
Step 4: Tie the Gown.
Secure the gown at the neck and waist. Ties, snaps, or Velcro fastenings might be located on the back or side of the gown. Make sure the gown is securely fastened but comfortable. If you are unable to tie this on your own, either ask for assistance, or you can request a second gown. You can put this gown on backwards to ensure full coverage.
Step 5: Ask The Nurse If You Can Wear Pants Underneath
Depending on your procedure or treatment, you may be allowed to wear pants or underwear for additional comfort and modesty. Always check with your nurse or doctor. You might be given hospital socks to wear as well and will be instructed to secure your clothes in a locker.
How to Take Off a Hospital Gown?
To remove the hospital gown, reverse the steps you followed to put it on.
- Untie or unsnap the fastenings carefully. If you are unable to do this step on your own, ask your nurse for assistance.
- Remove your arms from the sleeves
- Slip the gown off your body
- If you require assistance, don't hesitate to ask a caregiver or a nurse for help, ensuring the process is comfortable and maintains your dignity.
Features & Benefits of Hospital Gowns
Hospital gowns are designed with features like rear closures, adjustable ties, and sometimes elastic cuffs to accommodate IV lines or monitoring equipment. The key benefits include:
- Accessibility: Easy access for examinations and procedures. Doctors have access to arms, legs and can appropriately access areas along the back and torso as well.
- Comfort: Made from soft, breathable materials. They are usually very lightweight.
- Hygiene: Easily changed to maintain cleanliness. Some gowns are disposable, but most are washable.
- Privacy: Designed to cover the body while allowing necessary medical access.
- Adaptability: Available in various styles to suit different medical needs, including expecting mothers, those with an infectious disease or those entering surgery.
- Safety: Designed with no metal or other materials that can interfere with an MRI machine or other medical device.
Conclusion
Hospital gowns play a crucial role in the healthcare system, balancing the needs for patient dignity, comfort, and medical accessibility. Understanding the different types of hospital gowns, how to wear them properly, and their benefits can make hospital visits less daunting. These gowns, while seemingly simple, are a testament to the thoughtful consideration given to patient care in medical settings. If you don’t want to wear a gown provided by the hospital, or need a hospital gown for a different situation, check out our guide that covers many of the different types of hospital gowns. In case you’re looking to find a great gift for a hospital patient, here’s a guide that may help including adaptive clothing, hospital socks and more as gift options.
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