How to put on a patient gown: 8 steps to tie it correctly and discreetly.

Patient gowns are essential attire that allows healthcare professionals to easily examine, test, or monitor your health. However, for many people, wearing a gown for the first time or encountering new styles can be confusing, causing fear of exposing too much skin. Don't worry! With just a few simple tips, you can wear and fasten your gown securely and comfortably, ready for any medical examination.

Things to know when wearing a patient gown.

• Most hospital gowns typically open at the back, allowing healthcare workers to easily examine patients and perform tests.

• The way to tie the garment is simple: use two sets of ties at the neck and waist, just like tying the strings of an apron.

• Tip for increased privacy: If you want more privacy, you can wear two cloaks, one facing forward and one facing backward, then tie them together as usual.

• Always ensure the straps are secure but comfortable so you can move around without worrying about exposing your skin.

Part 1: How to properly wear and tie a hospital gown without revealing too much skin.

Step 1: Ask the nurse about the location of the patient gown fasteners.

• Hospital gowns may have ties at the front or back, depending on the style.

• When receiving the gown, ask the nurse or doctor whether the ties should be at the front or back.

• If you don't have time to ask, don't worry—you'll usually figure out the correct way to tie it after you've put it on.

• Some nurses or medical assistants will guide you as soon as they give you the gown, helping you put it on correctly and more comfortably.

Step 2: Put on the patient gown: hold or remove underwear.

• When putting on a robe, you should remove your outer clothing, but if possible, keep your underwear such as a bra or panties on.

• In most cases, unless medical personnel need to examine your breasts or genitals, you can keep your underwear on for comfort and privacy.

• If you are unsure, ask the nurse or medical assistant before they leave the room.

• Tip: If you didn't have time to ask, you can keep your underwear and confirm with the doctor when they come into the room.

Step 3: How to hold and put on the patient gown

• Hold the robe in front of you so that the open side faces you.

• Make sure the robe is worn inside out, meaning the side with the pattern or color is facing outwards.

• Look inside the garment when you hold it, as if you're preparing to wear a robe "inside out".

• This method makes it easy to put on your shirt correctly and avoid confusing the inside out.

Step 4: Put on the patient gown: slip your arms into the sleeves.

• Insert your arms through the sleeves of the gown. The gown may have short or long sleeves, depending on the hospital.

• Pull the sleeves all the way up to your shoulders so the shirt hangs comfortably, with the opening at the back.

• Most hospital gowns are long, reaching just below the knees, allowing for easy movement while maintaining modesty.

Part 2: Step-by-step guide to putting on a patient gown simply and safely.

Step 1: Tie the patient's gown straps around the neck.

• The top set of straps on the cloak is usually located just behind the neck, over the shoulders.

• Take a string in each hand and tie it like you would tie shoelaces, forming a bow.

• Avoid tying a double knot to prevent it from being difficult to untie later.

• Tip: If it's difficult to tie the bow at the back of your neck, you can take off the shirt, tie the bow first, and then put the shirt over your head; the bow will still stay in place.

Step 2: Tie the patient's gown straps at the back.

• Most traditional robes have a second set of straps to tie at the lower back.

• If your shirt has ties at the back, reach behind your back, take one tie in each hand, and tie them into a secure knot to keep the shirt closed.

• Tip: If it's difficult to tie the laces at the back, you can pull the laces to one side of your body for easier visibility and tying, then let the shirt fall into place.

• Note: The robe tied at the back may not completely cover the buttocks, so move gently to maintain modesty.

Step 3: Tie the patient gown straps at the front.

• Some hospital gowns have ties at the front for added modesty.

• If you see a strap near the front hip, find the second strap at the lower back, pull it out to the side towards the front, and tie it into a knot.

• Typically, the two straps connect near the hips, providing better coverage for the buttocks.

• A front-tie robe usually has more fabric than a back-tie robe, making you feel more comfortable and modest.

Step 4: Put on the pants under the patient gown.

• Not everyone wearing a hospital gown needs to undress completely. Ask your doctor or nurse if you can wear an additional layer of clothing, such as sweatpants, under the gown.

• If you are using a urinary catheter or medical device in your lower body, you may not be able to wear pants underneath, but it's still a good idea to ask to be sure.

• If the robe opens at the back, you can request another robe to wear as an outer layer, which will help you feel more modest.

Wear a patient gown when staying in the hospital for several days.

• If you're hospitalized for several days and find wearing a gown constantly uncomfortable, ask your doctor or nurse if you can switch to looser, more comfortable clothing.

• If you are unsure how to put on your gown or need assistance, do not hesitate to ask a nurse or healthcare worker for help.

• Note for healthcare workers: always follow aseptic procedures when wearing surgical gowns or isolation gowns.

References

1. https://www.medline.com/media/catalog/Docs/MKT/LIT1021B_CAT_PatientApparel-Body_155.pdf
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsFT8JFY8cA

Translated by: Sidney Bailey Hoang .