Aesthetics, Design, and Product Development

Development of Hospital Patient Apparel With Enhanced Functional, Expressive, and Aesthetic Attributes

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Abstract

Hospital patient apparel requires specific functionality for the wearer and healthcare providers. It has been widely reported that conventional patient apparel often hinders the wearer’s body movement (Cho, 2006) and contributes to an increased infection rate due to loose sleeves or hanging strings that allow the wearer to sweep more surface area (Parker-Pope, 2008). Furthermore, it is a general misconception that because the wearers are isolated from social activities, it is not important to emphasize the apparel’s expressive function. In reality, patients often establish personal relationships with their caregivers or with other patients, or host family members and friends during their hospital stay. Such design deficiencies negatively impact patient dignity and there is a need for better hospital patient apparel design. This project aims to address the ways that hospital patient apparel can improve its aesthetic appeal, enhance the wearer’s mobility and comfort, and provide superior antimicrobial resistance.

Keywords: hospital, patient, product, development

How to Cite:

Park, J., Sarkar, A. & Cozza, M., (2012) “Development of Hospital Patient Apparel With Enhanced Functional, Expressive, and Aesthetic Attributes”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 69(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17292