Wearing a hospital gown correctly is straightforward and ensures both your comfort and easy access for medical professionals.
Understanding Your Hospital Gown Style
Hospital gowns are designed for practicality, easy removal, and medical access. They typically come in a few common styles, and how you wear one depends on its design.
Steps for Wearing a Split-Back Hospital Gown
This is the most common type, recognized by its opening at the back.
- Open the Gown: Unfold the gown completely to lay it flat.
- Slip Arms Through: Insert your arms through the sleeves, just like putting on a shirt.
- Drape Behind You: Allow the main body of the gown to drape behind you, with the opening positioned at your back.
- Secure the Ties/Snaps: Fasten any ties or snaps located at the neck or waist. You may need some assistance in tying the gown, especially the back ties, to ensure it's secure and comfortable.
Steps for Wearing a Snap-Front or Full-Back Hospital Gown
These gowns offer more complete coverage and usually fasten in the front.
- Open and Wrap: Unfasten the gown entirely and open it up. Wrap it around your body like you would a robe.
- Arm Placement: Ensure your arms go through the appropriate sleeve openings on each side.
- Secure the Front: Fasten the snaps or ties down the front to close the gown securely.
Tips for Comfort and Modesty
While hospital gowns prioritize medical access, there are ways to enhance your comfort and maintain your privacy.
- Layering for Coverage: If permitted by your medical team, you can ask for a second gown to wear. One can be worn with the opening to the back, and the other with the opening to the front, providing more coverage. Always check with your nurse first.
- Request Proper Sizing: If your gown feels too tight or too loose, ask for a different size. A well-fitting gown is more comfortable and offers better coverage.
- Don't Hesitate to Ask for Help: If you have difficulty tying or adjusting your gown due to mobility issues or discomfort, your nurse or a caregiver will be happy to assist you.
- Bring Personal Items: Some patients find comfort in bringing a lightweight robe from home to wear over the gown when walking in public areas of the hospital, if allowed.
Hospital Gown Styles at a Glance
| Gown Style | Key Feature | How to Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Back Gown | Open at the back, often secured with ties. | Slip arms into sleeves, let it drape behind you, and secure ties at the neck/waist. |
| Snap-Front / Full-Back Gown | Full coverage, snaps/ties down the front. | Open fully, wrap around your body, insert arms into sleeves, and fasten snaps/ties in front. |
Why Hospital Gowns Are Worn
Hospital gowns are standard patient attire for several practical and essential reasons related to your care:
- Easy Medical Access: They allow healthcare providers quick and unobstructed access to your body for examinations, blood pressure readings, IV insertions, and surgical procedures.
- Hygiene and Infection Control: Gowns are single-patient use and are meticulously cleaned and sterilized by the hospital after each use, which helps prevent the spread of infections.
- Patient Safety: Their design ensures they can be easily removed in an emergency and do not interfere with medical equipment or procedures.
- Comfort: Made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, they are designed to be comfortable for extended wear, especially for patients who may be confined to bed.
For more information on what to expect during a hospital stay, you can consult reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic Patient and Visitor Guide or the NHS Hospital Guide.
