Abstract
A case study was conducted on the development of patient clothes designs at the Korea University Medical Center, in order to provide an example of patient clothes designs which meet the hospital identity and the demands of patients and nurses. In this study, we focused on general patient pajamas and one-piece gowns worn in the obstetrics and gynecology department. A scientific and systematic design approach consisting of the following four steps was conducted in the designing process: needs assessment, design direction establishment, design presentation, and final decision. For the first step, focused group interviews and a survey were conducted to identify the needs of the patients and nurses. According to the results of the first step, 3 fabric patterns with light, modern, rhythmic, modest and ordinary images were designed utilizing the university and hospital symbols and logotypes. Fixed forms with realistic and geometric characteristics and colors, including white, yellow, blue, grey, and pink were selected to deliver the preferred image. Each fabric pattern was made in male and female versions of the color sets. The following styles of patient clothes were made with the 3 fabric samples: general patient pajamas with a U-neckline, 9/10-length sleeves and ankle-length pants, a full-length sleeved gown with openings for breast-feeding, and a gown with a deep back-neckline and button fastening. Different sizing systems for males and females were recommended for the production.
