The experiment confirmed the dehumanizing effect of hospital gowns on patients.

An article about a study conducted by psychologists from the University of Auckland (New Zealand) was published in the journal JAMA Network Open. For the experiment organized at the university's clinic, a group of 74 volunteers was recruited. They were asked to participate in a simulation of the hospital admission process and go through a standard interview with medical staff, as typically happens when a person is admitted to a hospital.

Initially, participants were randomly divided: half were allowed to remain in their own clothes, while the others were asked to change into hospital gowns resembling kimono-style robes with ties on the side. The subjects and the intern doctors who interviewed them were not informed about the purpose of the experiment. Interns were also told that the patients had changed clothes voluntarily.

Subsequently, using recorded interviews and a special program, the researchers analyzed the participants' speech for the total number of words and their emotional tone. Additionally, participants completed a questionnaire developed by the authors, the Dehumanisation Experiences Questionnaire, to assess their feelings during the consultation. Negative impressions were grouped under the term "dehumanizing experience."

The results revealed that those wearing hospital gowns spoke less during the interview: on average, they used 252 words compared to 330 words for those who remained in their own clothes. Furthermore, the dressed participants characterized their experiences much more negatively. When describing their emotions, individuals reported feeling awkward, vulnerable, and insecure. Some noted that the hospital attire created an imbalance of power between themselves and the doctor.

According to the New Zealand psychologists, the results of the experiment confirmed the validity of the approach where clinic patients are allowed to remain in their personal clothing, and changing into hospital gowns is requested only when absolutely necessary, such as before a surgical operation. It is worth noting that this practice is also common in Russian hospitals.

The researchers also called for the development of hospital attire that is comfortable, does not cause embarrassment for patients, and does not undermine their dignity.