16 steps to create a healthcare uniform program_150522

2015

AVIDERE, LLC

3/1/2015

p. 801-653-9000

[email protected]

16 Steps To Creating A Healthcare Uniform Program

[16 STEPS TO CREATING A HEALTHCARE UNIFORM PROGRAM ] March 1, 2015

AVIDERE, LLC. ©2014, All Rights Reserved. | p 801.653.9000 | www.avidereimage.com 2

Your employees’ image is impacting your bottom line if you lack clear role distinction among

healthcare professionals, permit any uniform style or color regardless of position, sport an assortment of

uncoordinated uniform prints, or lack harmony between your medical and non-medical teams.

To compete in today’s market your hospital must exhibit a patient-centered atmosphere and ensure

patient safety and satisfaction. You can’t afford a patient mistaking a housekeeper for a nurse or a

physician assigning a patient to the wrong medical professional. From the moment a patient or visitor

enters your hospital they should feel they are in good hands.

Your staff must consistently display a high level of professionalism throughout your entire organization.

Your hospital uniform program plays a major role in your employees’ appearance and healthcare image.

Indeed, your uniform program is an extension of your company brand---either weakening or strengthening

your healthcare image.

Your healthcare image is outdated if you answer no to any of the following:

Do employees project a ‘consistent,' professional image throughout your organization?

Based on appearance alone would you feel safe receiving medical care at your institution?

Does your professional medical team look competent and organized?

Can patients and physicians easily discern between healthcare professionals?

Can patients tell your hospital staff apart from other hospitals?

Can patients discern between your medical and non-medical teams?

Do your patient safety and satisfaction scores align with your hospital goals?

Does your uniform program reflect the image standards and values of your institution?

A well-designed uniform program visually unites your healthcare team and lets patients know they can

expect to receive the same quality of care throughout the organization regardless of their medical needs.

Conversely, an ill-defined uniform program can create an unkempt, disorganized appearance, and cause

patients to seek medical care from a healthcare provider that presents a more competent, professional

image. While having a skilled staff who offers quality medical care is most important, patients are less

likely to feel safe in an environment that looks unprofessional.

Your company uniform program largely determines your healthcare image and getting it right is essential

to ensure patient safety and satisfaction and employee buy-in. In this white paper, Avidere, an image

consulting firm specializing in healthcare image branding, shares the image strategies and best practices

it employs while consulting with its healthcare clients throughout the years.

“Patients have a choice in the healthcare provider that they choose. Your employees’ image

either weakens or strengthens your healthcare image. A well-designed uniform program helps

to increase the professional appearance of your staff, increase patient safety, and distinguish

your organization as a leading healthcare provider in the marketplace.”

– Roberta Hughes, CEO & President, AVIDERE



1. Uniform Color Selection. The most important decision you will make regarding your uniform

program will be the colors you select for your healthcare institution. Color invokes a multitude of

emotions, either positive or negative, and directly affects your patients’ experience.

A well-designed color program can help increase patient satisfaction and visually create a quiet, calm

environment for optimum rest and healing. A clearly defined uniform color program can help increase

patient safety as staff and patients can easily discern between healthcare professionals. Furthermore,

a staff that can quickly distinguish between medical positions across different facilities and floors

helps to increase work efficiency and reduce potential errors.

Colors can be combined endlessly to communicate different messages and create a unique

experience for your patients. If not correctly chosen, your uniform colors can have an adverse effect

on your patients. To help you design an effective color program for your healthcare organization,

consider these strategies:

Distinguish healthcare professionals by color to help patients and visitors easily discern

between staff roles. A patient should not confuse a nurse who provides medical care with

environmental services who cleans the bathroom. Clear uniform color distinction is essential

to ensure your institution’s patient safety and satisfaction scores are not negatively impacted.

Colors should uniquely brand your institution and create a distinctive experience for your

patients and visitors. While incorporating your company logo colors may be a good place to

start, it should not be the only factor. Colors that look good in a logo may not appear

attractive on your staff. In fact, some colors can cause your staff to appear tired or

unhealthy---not exactly the best message for a healthcare environment.

Select colors that complement, not compete with, or fade into the hospital interior

décor. Staff uniforms should enhance the environment, not blend in so much that they match

the walls or chairs so precisely that the hospital atmosphere appears bland, depressing or

monotonous. Patients and visitors should feel uplifted when visiting your hospital or clinic.

Consider the colors currently worn by other healthcare institutions in your area.

Patients should know exactly where they are the moment they walk into your hospital. If

nurses in two neighboring hospitals both wear navy blue uniforms for instance, it can be

difficult for patients to ‘visually’ distinguish the experience between the two institutions.

Distinguish professional medical staff colors from students to clearly delineate expertise

for patients and physicians. Doing so will help minimize confusion and costly errors.

Use colors in the appropriate context to communicate the right message. Not all colors

are suited for every department and role; certain shades of red, for instance, mirror the color

of blood. Lab technicians who draw patient’s blood wearing red uniforms can increase

patient anxiety.

Know the different moods and strengths associated with each color. Every color is

available in different shades---light, dark, bright or dull---and each have an innate meaning

associated with it that conveys a unique message and creates a unique experience for your

patients.



Use colors in the appropriate amount. The more a particular color is seen throughout the

organization, the more dominant the image or message. Furthermore, a color used for one

department may project one message when viewed separately but can have a different effect

when viewed in conjunction with the entire hospital color palette.

Know what colors are available in the marketplace. Uniform manufacturers continually

add new colors and eliminate others. Some colors may be available for a season or only

available in select styles so be sure to verify the longevity of your uniform colors prior to

purchasing. Additionally, similar colors may appear differently depending on the uniform

fabric and color dye used. For best results, invest in the highest garment quality you can

afford to increase the longevity of your uniform program and ensure color consistency.

2. Uniform Prints. A carefully chosen print can help distinguish an institution and add levity to a

hospital environment. Conversely, an improper print style can give the wrong impression and diminish

the professionalism of the organization and its staff. The print color(s), size, spacing, and design

determine the overall professional appearance of the uniform and your employees.

A large variety of prints exist in the marketplace and range from floral, geometric, polka-dot, stripe,

cartoon characters, and unique designs for holidays and special causes such as breast cancer

awareness. The print colors, shapes and sizes all communicate largely different messages and

create different experiences for your patients. Use these guidelines to help you select the best print

for your organization.

Select prints that create a calming or cheerful mood. Some prints can be too busy or loud and

visually raise the noise factor of your institution or irritate or offend patients. The key is to

select the right print in the correct context to project a professional image. Tweedy bird

cartoon images for instance, may not be appropriate in a surgical center but could help

brighten the atmosphere of a children’s clinic.

Consider prints for special occasions. Prints supporting a special cause such as breast

cancer awareness or seasonal prints worn on specific holidays can help lighten the

atmosphere and offer your staff variety. To maintain professionalism and order, you’ll want to

regulate print styles and color options.

Choose prints will one dominant color theme. To avoid confusion, select a print that has one

dominant color so patients can clearly discern between staff positions. Patients should be

able to reference the staff member who is wearing ‘blue’ or ‘red’ for instance, not blue-red-

white-yellow. Clinics located in remote areas of the building or outside of the hospital can

usually wear multi-colored prints more easily as there are fewer staff roles to discern.

Environmental Services who typically wear a solid scrub top for instance, might wear a

printed scrub top to further separate their role from your nursing staff.

Select re-orderable prints. Where possible, choose a common, re-oderable print in tonal

colors. Otherwise, you’ll need to store additional uniforms to have on hand for new hires or

plan to purchase new prints every season (usually every six months) depending on the

supplier. For this reason, you’ll want to select prints in core colors so you can easily replace

them without redefining your uniform color program.



3. Uniform Embroidery. Embroidering uniforms helps to further distinguish your institution and

increase security. Typically, a company logo and title sewn on the uniform’s upper left chest area is

easy to read when shaking hands with a patient or visitor. For best results, use a clear, legible font in

an appropriate color that is readable up to two or three feet away. An identification that is hard to

read negates the purpose of embroidery so if it is hard to read both the logo and title, consider listing

only the company name. Embroidery costs vary by supplier and some offer discount pricing with

volume purchasing. Be sure to check your state laws prior to embroidering uniforms as some

mandate that corporations furnish embroidered uniforms.

4. Uniform Selection. For speed of implementation and simplicity purposes, it can be tempting to

select staff uniform styles without considering their needs, but taking this short cut could cost you

thousands of dollars in the long run. If the wrong styles are chosen you run the risk of having

dissatisfied employees or needing to invest more money to order better quality uniforms, thereby

increasing your program cost and delaying rollout. Employee job functions, body type, fit needs and

fabric preferences should all be carefully considered prior to purchasing uniforms. An ER nurse

working three, twelve hour shifts lifting and supporting patients various needs may require a different

uniform than a therapist who conducts more administrative tasks, for instance.

5. Uniform Fabric. Manufacturers provide a variety of fabric choices and are ever expanding to offer

new fit, comfort and functionality. Uniforms are designed with specific performance advantages to

accommodate different job functions and personal comfort preferences---from flexible or sturdy to

wrinkle-free or stain resistant, for example. Progressive manufacturers continually invest in

technology to help advance fabric performance functions. Indeed, you can expect to see new fabrics

that will help fight germs, improving staff and patient safety.

The fabric used to construct the garment largely determines the comfort, fit, function and

maintenance of the uniform---which ultimately determines the professional image of your staff. As

employees may be sensitive to certain fabrics, it’s best to offer several uniform fabric options.

Knowing the different advantages between fabrics will help you select the best uniforms for your staff

and budget.

6. Uniform Styles. There are three uniform program style options to consider. The choices include a)

using existing uniforms in the marketplace as is, b) style existing uniform pieces in a unique way to

create a custom look for your institution, or c) work directly with the manufacturer to custom design

uniforms for your organization. Program cost and implementation timelines varies by style selection.

A well designed uniform program should be sustainable for several years, if not more. Investing in

the right uniform manufacturer is essential to maximize your investment. Uniform style options vary

by manufacturer. There are hundreds of ready-to-wear uniform styles in the marketplace to choose

from, ranging from modern in design to more classic. The uniform style(s) you choose for your

organization should reflect your core values. For instance, to project a modern, innovative image you

might select uniforms with cutting-edge design details such as color contrast stitching.

Regardless of your choice, uniform styles should appeal to your staff to ensure employee satisfaction

and appear coordinated between your medical and non-medical staff to create a harmonious

experience for your patients. Large disparity between professional dress standards and uniform



styles and colors can create a busy, uncoordinated appearance and communicate conflicting

messages. A well designed uniform program should visually unite your professional team and let

patients know they can expect the same level of care throughout your healthcare institution. To

achieve this objective consider the following:

Scrub uniforms in general are the most casual garment your staff can wear next to a T-shirt

and sweats. For this reason, the right colors, fabric, fit and uniform styles must be chosen to

represent your healthcare organization. Some fabrics hold their color and shape longer than

others, and other colors appear more casual than another, thereby affecting your healthcare

image. Familiarize yourself with the different uniform advantages offered by manufacturers to

ensure you receive the best value for your investment.

Scrub styles vary greatly and range from solid colors and classic body styles, color contrast

stitching and trimming, color blocking or prints and fashion-forward silhouettes. Each style

communicates largely different messages and should be carefully considered by department

and function to enhance the patient’s experience and the image of the healthcare institution.

Employees tend to favor specific uniform tops and pants according to their fit and comfort

needs. For best results, be sure to factor your employees’ most important uniform

requirements to ensure employee satisfaction.

Color coordinate layered garments (such as the T-shirt worn under a scrub top or a warm-up

jacket worn over it) to increase the professional image of your staff and maintain uniformity.

Layered garments such as hoodies or sweaters worn in various colors create an unkempt,

uncoordinated look and negate your uniform program.

Lab coats are available in different lengths and styles and basic white or other trendy colors

such as navy, black, gray and wine. Generally, the longer the hemline, the more formal the

look. Physicians and pharmacists might wear a long white lab coat and head nurses may

wear short lab coats for instance, to distinguish their expertise.

Non-medical uniforms mirror business casual and professional attire made of more durable

fabric to help increase the longevity of your uniform program. Just as a T-shirt or a jacket

communicates largely different messages about a person and the organization, so do the

uniforms your employees wear. Careful consideration should be given to the styles worn by

your non-medical team. For increased employee satisfaction and professionalism, offer

different uniform fit and style options to accommodate personal preferences and provide

alternation services where needed. Ill-fitting clothes are uncomfortable to wear and are

distracting to your patients as employees adjust their uniform throughout the day. Employees

who feel and look good provide better customer service and enhance the image of your

organization.

Footwear options including color, style, and shoe laces should be clearly outlined for staff to

follow to ensure a consistent image from head to toe. Bright tennis shoes or shoe laces worn

with dress pants or bright orange crocs worn with blue scrub pants looks unprofessional and

is distracting. Listing acceptable footwear and shoe lace colors and styles should be

sufficient.



7. Uniform Sizes. Manufacturers offer uniforms in a variety of sizes and fit options ranging from missy

fit, classic, modern, and unisex. The hospital uniform program should accommodate diverse

employee sizes ranging from XS – 5XL at a minimum, and fit lengths for petite and tall, to avoid

discriminating anyone and to ensure image consistency. Unisex uniforms designed for both men and

women and can be an alternative solution for pregnant women or plus size employees, but gender

specific sizing is optimum where possible. Some manufacturers offer maternity uniforms in select

colors only; a scrub top worn with a skirt or neutral unisex pant can be an alternative interim solution.

8. Uniform Fit. An effective healthcare uniform program offers employees’ diverse uniform style

options to accommodate different body types, style, and fit preferences. The size and fabric used to

construct the garment help determine the uniform’s fit and comfort. There are many uniform options

available to you in the marketplace to help make it easier for you to meet the unique fit preferences of

your staff at an affordable price.

To ensure a consistent image throughout your organization, set specific uniform fitting requirements

before selecting and ordering employee uniforms. Employees should be able to pinch an inch of

fabric along the side seam of the top and pant for a professional fit. Any more or less than this, the

uniform is likely too tight or too loose.

Uniform size charts and employee fitting sessions can also help define appropriate fit options. Some

uniform suppliers conduct on-site employee fitting sessions, others require employees to visit a local

retailer, and some offer free uniform returns and exchanges allowing your staff to replace uniforms if

a fitting session is not provided onsite or the retailer only operates an online store.

As with standard business attire, some non-medical uniforms may require alterations to ensure the

garment fits your employees properly. Employees who wear ill-fitted clothing diminish the

effectiveness of your uniform program and adversely impact your image. Invest in alterations as

needed to present a consistent, professional look throughout your organization.

9. Uniform Maintenance. To maintain dress code compliance long after your initial program roll-out,

include uniform fitting standards and wash and care maintenance guidelines in your company image

policy. Stained, torn or faded uniforms diminish the professionalism of your staff and organization.

Uniform tops worn too tight or baggy create a sloppy, unprofessional look. Pants that are worn too

low can reveal employee undergarments or drag on the floor, creating an unkempt appearance and

safety hazard.

10. Uniform Quantity. The number of uniform sets you provide employees will vary by department, job

function, and work schedule. For instance, radiology, who typically work five days a week, may need

more sets to sustain them during the week than a speech therapist who may work three days a week

performing less intensive tasks.

On average, the number of uniform sets provided for medical staff is three. Some healthcare

institutions offer more uniforms while others offer less depending on their budget and image goals. As

a sign of goodwill, consider providing employees their initial set of uniforms to offset the cost of the

company program. After all, employees will likely not be able to wear any uniforms they purchased

over the years.



Providing your staff their initial uniforms, will help increase employee satisfaction and morale, ensure

your company uniform program is rolled out in a timely manner and helps your staff present a

consistent image. Otherwise, your uniform program, and your healthcare image is dependent upon

when your staff can afford to take time off work and buy their new uniforms and whether their color

and size is in stock.

11. Uniform Program Types. The cost of your healthcare uniform program will be determined based on

the number of uniform sets you provide employees and the type of uniform program you employ.

Medical uniform sets (top and bottom) range anywhere from $20 - $60 each depending on the

uniform quality, functions and design selected. Non-medical uniforms vary from $20 for basic polo

shirts on up to $75+ for sweaters, jackets and slacks.

Uniforms can be leased or purchased and the benefits vary as outlined below:

A uniform rental program allows you to rent the use of the uniforms until you no longer need

them. A rental program can be a cheaper way to enter a company uniform program initially,

but over time you may end up paying more for the uniforms depending on the life of the

program. In a rental program, uniform style options are typically limited and laundry services

are provided to ensure the safety of staff and patients in restricted areas such as surgery or

to ensure cleanliness for employees working in food and nutrition.

A uniform purchase program requires an investment up front and typically offers several

advantages including price volume discounts, a greater selection of styles and sizes for your

staff, and uniform embroidery.

A uniform lease to buy program is common with some larger healthcare organizations where

the need for both programs service the company diverse needs between medical and non-

medical divisions. Carefully consider your investment options to select the plan that works

best for your institution.

A well designed uniform program should be sustainable for several years, if not longer. Investing in

the right uniform manufacturer and product is essential to maximizing your investment. To ensure

employee satisfaction, be sure uniforms meet the most important requirements by staff position.

While it may be tempting to budget one price for all uniforms, a role-based program is more effective

long-term.

Many suppliers provide savings with an initial hospital order and subsequent discounts for on-going

purchases made by employees throughout the years. Pricing and support services largely vary by

vendor so know your options prior to making a purchase commitment. Fully understanding the

service value provided by the vendor can make all the difference in rolling out a successful uniform

program or not. Selecting the least expensive option should not be your only consideration. A poorly

designed uniform program can cost you thousands of dollars and additional time and resources if not

properly defined and managed.



12. Uniform Cost-Sharing. There are three ways to help offset the cost of your hospital uniform

program and each has different advantages and disadvantages as outlined.

Employees purchase uniforms at a discount price. Your healthcare institution negotiates

premium pricing with the vendor(s), and employees buy their uniforms at a discount price.

The result is there are no upfront costs for the organization and employees benefit from the

buying power of the company. The potential drawback, however is a delayed program roll-out

as employees order uniforms based on their personal budget allotment and time availability.

Uniform color or style inconsistency could arise if employees purchase from different

resources, and the program is not properly managed.

The organization finances employee purchases. The hospital subsidizes uniform costs by

negotiating discounts with the vendor(s) and offer staff payroll deduction over two or three

pay periods. The benefit of doing so helps employees afford higher quality uniforms

regardless of their income and your hospital implements a new image program in a timely

fashion.

The hospital purchases the employees’ initial uniforms. The company purchases the uniforms

direct from the vendor up front and the employees order their size and assigned color through

the supplier’s website. If desired, employees can purchase additional uniform sets outside

your institution’s budget simply by selecting their preferred payment option approved by the

hospital such as payroll deduction or their personal credit card.

13. Uniform Manufacturers. The uniform brand(s) you purchase largely determine your employees’

professional appearance and the longevity of your healthcare uniform program. Knowing the

difference between manufacturers and the brands they offer is vital to the success of your program.

Manufacturers operate clothing mills in various countries and construct uniforms to suit different

service industries and occupations, and typically sell their product through distribution channels.

Uniform price points vary by manufacturer according to their product offering. There are numerous

uniform styles to choose from in various construction quality, fabrics, colors, sizes, and design detail.

You can custom design a company uniform program by purchasing ready-to-wear uniforms through

the manufacturer’s supply chain or, depending on the order size, some manufacturers will custom

design uniforms for you for a fee and order commitment. To protect your investment, purchase

uniforms made by a manufacturer who has a proven track record in quality product, reliable delivery

and company sustainability. Manufacturers best suited for group programs possess these attributes:

Offer a variety of uniform styles in different fabrics, colors, and price points

Stock product in standard uniform sizes and core group colors

Deliver products to their supply chain in a timely and efficient manner

Process and ship large purchase orders with speed and accuracy

Stand behind their product and guarantees customer satisfaction

Drives product research and innovation to help improve uniform performance

Demonstrate product reliability and company sustainability

Partners with other solution providers to support your service needs



14. Uniform Retailers. The primary role of a retailer is to handle uniform order and fulfillment. Retailers

largely vary in size, product selection, and services depending on their market and specialty. Some

provide medical uniforms, non-medical attire, or both, and others offer embroidery services or

outsource it to a third party who does. Select retailers also partner with image consulting firms that

specialize in image branding, uniform program design, and project management services to help

hospitals implement a uniform program.

There are literally hundreds of uniform options available for you to choose from in the marketplace.

Not all uniforms are suited for group programs so you’ll want to verify which styles are re-orderable. A

good retail partner will provide you with product samples to evaluate prior to purchasing and place

orders according to your needs rather than what they have available on the shelf. Additionally,

retailers can usually see the manufacturer’s inventory levels and can therefore tell you in advance if

your product selection is available.

The healthcare landscape continues to change as retailers strive to adapt to the new demands of the

market. Not all retailers are equipped to handle hospital group orders as the business model and

support needs largely vary to do so. A retail partner suitable to handle group programs is well versed

in the manufacturers’ products, offers a variety of uniform options, and is equipped to handle large

orders in a short period. Understanding the difference between the different retailers will help you

choose the best vendor for your needs.

Smaller retailers have one or two stores, are usually locally owned and managed, and

service a narrow market. They typically process small, transactional sales in their store during

set business hours, offer a limited product selection, and are best suited to handle individual

purchases in lower quantity.

Larger retailers have five or more stores, service multiple markets, and usually have an on-

site store presence. A retail partner who supports large group orders possess the business

acumen and resources to handle local and national program roll-outs has invested in

technology to track employee information such as their job position, department, budget and

uniform size and color. They can also order and distribute high volume orders, setup

employee payroll deduction and other purchasing options, provide a customized website for

employees to easily purchase their uniforms, offer on-site employee fitting sessions, and ship

product to your hospital or the employee’s home.

On-line retailers do not have a storefront and, therefore, carry less overhead that means

they can transfer the savings on to you. They are not bound to any geographic location, store

hours, or inventory limitations, and can scale to fit your needs as a result. Many also have the

technology, resources and buying power as other large retail chains and can help you outfit

your medical and non-medical teams in a timely and cost-effective manner. While they do not

have a retail store you may visit, many on-line retailers offer similar services as large retailers

do including a customized website, payroll deduction, on-site employee fitting sessions and

discount shipping solutions.

Depending on the supplier, employees can order their uniforms through an on-line retail store or a

private company website, and either pick up their uniforms or have them delivered to the hospital or

their home. To ensure order accuracy and dress code compliance, select a retail partner that offers

online order and fulfillment tracking services. Doing so will allow you to manage the uniform styles

your employees order and ensure timely delivery.



15. Program Management. Implementing a company uniform program is no small undertaking and

requires thoughtful planning, skillful management and effective communication. It also requires

organizational change management leadership as you seek to modify employees’ dress options and

raise the image standards of the organization. How the uniform selection process is executed will

largely affect the success of the program. There are three ways to roll-out a company uniform

program:

Management selects the uniform colors and styles the staff will wear. While this option is the

quickest to speed of implementation, it does not consider employee unique needs by role,

and could therefore affect employee morale and satisfaction. The result is an ineffective

uniform program that will likely need to be revised, costing the company more money and

resources in the long run.

Employees participate in the uniform selection process. Involving employees is important but

without proper program management it can be difficult to reach a consensus within the

organization, require more resources and take longer to implement a uniform program.

A committee is formed to represent the general needs of the staff and sign-off on strategic

decisions for the organization. This approach helps employees feel valued and have their

most important needs considered while ensuring a cost-effective, timely project

implementation. Department leaders from key areas should be part of the committee to

ensure the team’s needs are met, and an objective, balanced perspective is given.

Otherwise, individuals who oppose the dress changes may offer a more biased view and

overshadow program objectives and possibly delay project implementation.

Typically, five key management members assist with implementing the company uniform program.

The amount of time required of each individual will depend on which program model you use and

whether you outsource project management to a third party. Program management typically includes

the following resources:

COO provides senior direction and signs-off on the company uniform program and budget.

CNO approves uniform color and style selections and dress policies for the nursing staff.

Human Resources oversee project initiatives and handles program implementation including

staff meetings, dress policy changes and employee training, and vendor communication.

Purchasing handles vendor setup and product purchasing and delivery.

Marketing communicates company image objectives to staff and its new image and patient

service objectives to the general public.

Image consulting firms who specialize in uniform program design and implementation can lead the

project and only involve management in critical company decisions. This method frees up valuable

company resources to focus on other important business objectives while still keeping the project on

task.



16. Program Implementation. Instituting a company uniform program can create anxiety among staff.

Staff engagement and participation in decision-making are vital to successful implementation of

organizational change such as a color coded uniform program. The more employees are removed

from the decision process and the less involved they are in the creation of the company uniform

program the more trepidation builds. Employees resent having a uniform program thrust upon them

with little regard for what they think or feel.

To build staff trust and support deep within the company and inspire employee voluntary cooperation,

you will need to build in a program execution strategy from the start. By doing so, you will minimize

the risk of employee distrust in management, noncooperation, and discontent. While it is unlikely you

will satisfy everyone, taking the following actions will minimize employee issues, encourage greater

support and help you roll-out a successful company uniform program.

Administer surveys to identify employee needs. Create buy-in up front and keep the project

on schedule by selectively involving staff in the program creation process. Engage

employees in strategic decisions affecting them by asking for their input through focus group

meetings or on-line surveys. Understanding their uniform needs and desires will help you

build an effective uniform program that employees support and ensure dress code

compliance.

Communicate management decisions. Everyone involved and affected by the company

uniform program changes should understand why the decision was made and what benefits

and results the organization expects to achieve. An explanation of the thinking that underlines

the decisions makes individuals confident that management has considered their opinions

and has made decisions impartially in the overall interests of the company and patients. An

explanation allows employees to trust managers’ intentions even if their own ideas have been

rejected. It also serves as a powerful feedback loop that enhances communication.

Update company image policies. Policy adherence requires that after the uniform program

strategy is set, management state clearly the new image and appearance policies. Although

the expectations may be viewed demanding, employees should know up front what

professional standards they will be held to and what consequences will be enforced if they fail

to comply. Management should also be held accountable to enforce policies to maintain

program integrity.

Provide employee image training. Offering employee image training either prior or

immediately following program implementation increases the success of your new uniform

program and ensures the return on your investment. You minimize costly litigation issues and

help foster a patient-centered culture by helping employees understand why their image

matters, how their image impacts the company’s image and the patient’s experience, and

what image principles should be practiced to ensure dress code compliance.



AVIDERE IMAGE CONSULTING SERVICES

Contact Avidere if you would like help creating a healthcare image plan and a sustainable uniform

program that is cost-effective, appealing to your staff, improves patient safety and satisfaction, and saves

you time and money. Avidere industry knowledge and image expertise helps you avoid costly mistakes

and manages the entire process for you, allowing valuable company resources to focus on other

important business objectives. To schedule a consultation please call 801-653-9000.

CONSULTING SERVICES DESCRIPTION

Healthcare Image Assessment PHASE 1

Improve your company image with a healthcare image plan by Avidere. Using our proprietary system, we’ll conduct an on-site assessment of your facility and employee uniforms, identify your image strengths and weaknesses, and recommend image strategies to help improve your healthcare image.

RESULTS:

Know how your patients and visitors perceive you Understand what changes are required in your

appearance policies to help ensure dress code compliance

Save money by identifying and prioritizing uniform needs by hospital division and purchase only what you need to achieve your image goals

Build a consistent and harmonious uniform program between your medical and non-medical staff

Build a uniform program that satisfies your staff top uniform needs and increase employee satisfaction

Receive unbiased, expert advice and guided leadership to improve your healthcare image

Uniform Program Design:

Color Branding

PHASE 2

Avidere color experts possess a keen understanding of the semiotic signs of color and visual communication, giving you a competitive image advantage. A custom designed color program by Avidere will improve patient safety and satisfaction, uniquely brand your institution, and create a positive experience for your patients.

RESULTS:

Receive a custom color palette recommendation for your healthcare institution

Increase patient safety and satisfaction with clear role distinction by color

Foster patient rest and healing using colors that visually help reduce noise and create a calm environment

Create a color coordinated look across your medical and non-medical teams

Select colors that compliment your facility and enhance your staff appearance

Use the right color(s) for the appropriate context Distinguish your facility from other institutions



Uniform Program Design:

Style Creation PHASE 2

Avidere image experts design a custom uniform program that uniquely brands your healthcare institution. As an independent consulting firm, we offer a turn-key solution and an unbiased point of view to help you achieve your image goals within budget. Our industry knowledge, fashion expertise, and uniform supplier partnerships saves you time and money and ensures a successful program. RESULTS:

Receive a cost-effective, sustainable uniform program that increases patient satisfaction and safety

Build a cohesive uniform plan that creates a consistent, professional healthcare image across your medical and non-medical teams

Design a collaborative uniform program that strategically involves your staff to help increase employee satisfaction and support

Receive expert advice on which uniform styles, fabrics, prints, and colors work best by role

Program Implementation

PHASE 3

Avidere oversees the entire uniform design and implementation process for you allowing your company resources to focus on other important business objectives. Project leadership includes driving the decision process for color selection, uniform style choice, manufacturer and retail partner selection, employee fashion shows, fitting sessions, and order and fulfillment setup. RESULTS:

Guided leadership to avoid costly mistakes Shorten implementation time Identify best uniform vendor partner(s) and pricing Setup order and fulfillment and provide a customized

company website for easy employee ordering Increase employee satisfaction and buy-in with

facilitated uniform fittings and fashion shows Receive a turn-key solution that is easy to maintain

following implementation

Image Policies & Training PHASE 4

Avidere image training programs help you maximize the return on your uniform investment by helping employees understand why and how their image affects the professional image of your healthcare institution and your patients’ experience. RESULTS:

Project a consistent, professional image throughout the organization

Ensure dress code compliance and minimize image disparity among staff

Implement easy to understand dress code policies Eliminate expensive training administration fees and

deliver training on demand

Learn more at http://www.healthcareimagetraining.com/

Project Leadership

Vendor Selection

Employee Support

Order & Fulfillment

Implementation

http://www.healthcareimagetraining.com/



About Avidere

Avidere™ is an image consulting firm providing image services for

the past ten years to healthcare institutions, corporations and

individuals. We help healthcare organizations transform their image,

increase patient safety and satisfaction, and create a patient-

centered experience through our renowned image products and

services. Our services provide healthcare institutions a competitive

image advantage in the marketplace. As a leader in the image

industry, Avidere™ achievements include:

Healthcare uniform program design services

1st to introduce healthcare image training programs

Creator of The Power of Image™ Training Series

Fashion advisor to leading apparel manufacturers

Expert contributor in leading image trade publications

Television host of image and style shows

Leading fashion training company to industry professionals

Avidere Products & Services

The Power of Image™ Healthcare Professional DVD

The Power of Image™ Business Professional DVD

Healthcare Uniform Program Design

Healthcare Image Assessment

Image Seminars & Workshops

Dress Code Policies

Image Management Coaching Scripts

Employee Dress Distinction™ Style Guide

Employee Image Reference Guide

Leadership Image Coaching

About The Author Roberta Hughes, renowned image expert and

founder of Avidere, is a national speaker,

published author and the host of the nationally

acclaimed The Power of Image™ training

system. She is an expert in color and fashion

design and merchandising, and an image

consultant and fashion advisor to leading

apparel manufacturers and healthcare

providers. Roberta is featured in national

publications including WebMD, CNBC.com and

Counselor Magazine and on television

networks including ABC, CBS and NBC. She

has served on the editorial advisory board of Skin Inc Magazine and Uniform

Magazine and is a graduate of the Conselle Image Management Institute.

Featured In / On

WebMD

CNBC.com

NBC, KSL Studio 5

CBS, KUTV News

Fox 13 News

ABC, Good Things Utah

Job Club Radio

KSL Radio

Bride Access

The Beauty Show™

Skin Inc Magazine

Day Spa Magazine

Utah Business Magazine

Pulse Magazine

Uniform Magazine

Wearables Business

Counselor Magazine

Sample Client List

Scheels®

Cintas®

Landau®

Edwards Garment®

Strategic Partners Inc.

Holiday Inn®

RX America

United Way

Western University of Health

Science

Anthem Memory Care

West Tennessee Healthcare

St. Mark’s Hospital

Pearland Medical Center

Henderson County Hospital

Marquette General Hospital

University of Utah Healthcare

Nanticoke Health Systems

Sanford-Brown Institute

Gateway Aesthetic Institute

University of Michigan

Minnesota State University

TLC Nursing

Wells Fargo® Bank

Nash Healthcare System

Ocean Reef Club

Utah Valley University

Smith Barney

Reliable Runners

International Spa Association

http://www.healthcareimagetraining.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgbL2rKRvyw

16 steps to create a healthcare uniform program_150522

Documents

healthcare uniform program

healthcare image branding

professional image

employees image

hospital uniform program

healthcare professionals

healthcare team

healthcare provider