Patient and family perceptions of research coordinator attire in the intensive care unit: A cross-sectional survey-based study

Research coordinators play a central role in approaching ICU patients and families for research, yet little is known about how factors such as attire influence first impressions and study perceptions. We examined patients' and families' perceptions of coordinator attire, its importance, and associations with participant characteristics. We conducted a cross-sectional, survey-based study of consecutively admitted ICU patients and family members across four ICUs. The survey included open-and closed-ended questions on attire preferences and factors influencing first impressions. Open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis to complement quantitative findings. A total of 329 participants completed the survey, most of whom were family members (213/329, 65%) and women (199/329, 60%). Just over half (173/329, 53%) reported that attire influenced their perception of the study, whereas 145/329 (44%) said it did not, and 11/329 (3%) preferred not to say. Smart casual (129/329, 39%) and business casual (98/329, 30%) were the most preferred styles. Family members were more likely than patients to report that neat grooming (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.25–4.16), good hygiene (OR 3.75, 1.70–8.27), wearing a name tag (OR 2.67, 1.33–5.37), and a study button or lanyard (OR 4.78, 2.22–10.28) positively influenced their impressions. Research coordinator attire is important to many ICU patients and families, who prefer business or smart casual styles that convey professionalism and approachability. Beyond attire, hygiene, demeanor, communication, and visible identification (e.g., name tags or study badges) strongly shape first impressions. • Research coordinator attire influenced over half of ICU patient/family impressions. • Business and smart casual are preferred for professionalism and approachability. • Hygiene, grooming, respectful engagement, and visible ID shaped first impressions.