Urbane Scrubs & Landau Scrubs- Acumed Medical Supplies, Inc.

Nursing Scrubs & Lab Coats– The Psychological Aspects of Treatment
by Scott Rickey

There are three components to any therapeutic relationship. (1) The patient, (2) the therapy, and (3) the practitioner. All three of these aspects are important in increasing the efficacy of your treatment.

First let us discuss the patient. We are all familiar with the Placebo Effect and its counterpart called the Nocebo Effect. By definition, the placebo effect is gained when a patient believes that the treatment they are getting will significantly help or cure them. The Nocebo Effect is demonstrated when a patient believes that no treatment will help, or a treatment will have adverse effects. The Nocebo Effect was demonstrated, in the past when cancer patients were told that nothing can be done for them and that they would die within a certain time frame.   Funny thing was (not so funny) that they did not live past that date. The good thing is that physicians do not do that anymore and consequently patients are living longer than expected.   Therefore, we use placebo and avoid Nocebo. This does not mean we should provide false hope or give them sugar pills instead of therapeutic herbs, acupuncture or proper medical treatment. Be enthusiastic but honest.  

Next is the efficacy of the therapy itself, the acupuncture, the herbs, the medicine or whatever the physical treatment is. This is what most students and practitioners are primarily trained for. Be Diligent and thorough.  

The third aspect involves the halo effect. This is the practitioner’s portion of the three aspects of the therapeutic relationship. When the practitioner presents themselves in a manner which says to the patient, “I am an expert, I am a professional.”  It transfers to all characteristics of that practitioner and the patient will benefit more than they would from just the therapy itself. Think about it, if you go in to get your taxes done and your CPA comes out dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, what do you think of their abilities? Ok, maybe that’s an extreme but, what does it take for an acupuncturist or a healthcare provider to look professional? 

First, a clean, pressed, well made white lab coat with a stethoscope in the pocket or around your neck. Second, a professional name tag which includes your title and clinic name. Third, your office should not say  “I am a backyard operation. “ Rather, “I am a professional. “If you wear nursing scrubs they should be color coordinated and clean. I recommend Urbane Scrubs or Landau Scrubs for quality, looks and price. Keep an extra pair handy just in case of an accident. Invest in professional clinic supplies and display them on the counters. Look professional.  

Not only will you retain patients you will gain more referrals when you integrate all aspects of the therapeutic relationship. If you are a student trust what you are doing in the clinic and continue to emulate what you were doing when you leave for your own practice. If you are an assistant, a nurse, or an alternative healthcare provider working for someone else, you will be judged as more qualified by your employer if you look professional.