Objective: Our aim was to obtain mental health patients' views on psychiatrists' and case managers' attire.
Methods: Eighty-six patients treated at a community mental health service were surveyed. Various types of commonly worn attire were listed. Respondents were asked to choose what they thought was most appropriate for their psychiatrist and case manager to wear.
Results: Over 50% of respondents felt that psychiatrist or case manager dress was not an important issue. However, those who felt that it was preferred less formal attire.
Conclusions: Psychiatrists and case managers in a community mental health team could consider adopting less formal attire. This conclusion is limited by the small sample and may be relevant to rural areas only. Further research is needed in urban centres. Implications of these findings are discussed.