The Article: Westerfield, H. V., Stafford, A. B., Gabel-Speroni, K., Daniel, M. (2012). Patients’ perceptions of patient care providers with tattoos and/or body piercings. Journal of Nursing Administration, 42(3): 160-164.
Big Idea: This study examines the computer survey results of 150 hospitalized patients, within a rural hospital, who viewed pictures of health care providers – male and female – with and without visible tattoos and body piercings anywhere other than the earlobe. The authors used a modified tool aptly titled the Tattoo and Body Piercing Patient Research Study Questionnaire.
Survey Says!: Male care providers with visible tattoos were seen as equally professional as their non-tattooed counterparts. The same was not true for female care providers with visible tattoos; they were seen as less professional as uninked female care providers. Male care providers with visible body piercings were viewed as less professional and approachable then their counterparts. Female care providers with visible body piercings were viewed even less professional and approachable than the men.
Quotable: “The presence of a tattoo has been reported to diminish image and credibility [reference]. Patients have reported viewing facial piercing among physicians as inappropriate and negatively affecting perceived competence and trustworthiness [reference]” (p. 160).
“Of the 150 patients providing survey responses, the majority was female (68%, n = 102), white (77%, n = 116), and 46 years or older (72%, n = 108). Twenty-two percent responded that they had a permanent tattoo, of which half were visible when clothed. Only 6% (n = 9) indicated body piercings other than the earlobe, of which 44% (n = 4) were visible when clothed” (p. 162).
“Study results suggest male and female patient care providers dressed in uniform with visible tattoos and/or nonearlobe body piercings are never perceived by patients to be more caring, confident, reliable, attentive, cooperative, professional, efficient, or approachable than their non-visibly tattooed or nonpierced peers” (p. 163).
So What?: I was intrigued when I saw the title of this article. I snickered when I saw it was published in JONA. Research (reeeeesearch!) about tattoos and body piercings appearing in a peer-reviewed journal about nursing leadership and management – it felt rebellious. (Is it wrong that I immediately thought of the dentist in The Hangover 2?) I digress.
Authors point out the limitations of their study including variations in tattoos, body piercing placements, gender bias, one study site, and the rural location of the study. This article does contribute to the body of knowledge and sheds light on perceptions of care providers. It may help leaders shape policies of visible tattoos and body piercings among care providers.
Susan Velez on Facebook
March 9, 2012 8:55 amIt seems like the results would be different in an urban setting, where tattoos and piercings are far more common. I have a few tattoos, but they are easily covered by scrubs, so it’s not much of an issue for me. Interesting topic, for sure!
Nursetopia
March 9, 2012 7:42 pmAbsolutely agree. Location makes a big difference in regards to cultural perceptions. The authors point out that limitation of the study, as well. Interesting, for sure!
Not Nurse Ratched
March 11, 2012 4:46 pmAt least someone is studying it. It’s got to be really location based, as already mentioned. I’ve had nothing but positive reactions and remarks from patients, especially elderly patients. They LOVE my bod mods. My tattoos are usually hidden, but sometimes I push my sleeves up and my patient will ask to see the rest of the tattoo. It provides an ice breaker and distraction, and where I live, much of our patient population has bod mods, so I think they feel more comfortable having a health care provider who has them as well. However, I think if I had offensive tattoos or super weird piercings it would be different. So many variables!
Nursetopia
March 11, 2012 7:53 pmDefinitely agree!