In the fast-paced and high-stakes environment of hospitals, every detail is carefully considered to ensure safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in patient care.
One question that often comes up is: why do doctors and surgical staff wear green or blue scrubs? After all, hospitals are filled with sterile whites and polished metallic surfaces, so why not stick to white for scrubs? Surprisingly, the choice of green or blue scrubs is not arbitrary and carries practical, psychological, and scientific benefits. In this article, we’ll explore why green has become the color of choice in surgical settings and why it’s critical in the medical world.
The History of Medical Attire
From White to Green
Traditionally, doctors wore white coats as a symbol of cleanliness, purity, and professionalism. White, as a color, represents sterility, which makes sense in the context of medical practice where cleanliness is crucial. This changed in the early 20th century when surgeons began opting for green attire in the operating room.
At first, this was a gradual shift, but by the mid-20th century, green and blue scrubs had become standard in most hospitals around the world.
The shift from white to green scrubs in surgery was rooted in both practical and psychological reasons. So, why was green chosen over the traditional white? Let’s break down the reasons behind this choice.
The Practical Benefits of Green Scrubs
Reducing Eye Strain and Fatigue
The operating room is an intense environment where doctors need to focus on intricate procedures for extended periods. Looking at blood and tissue for hours on end can cause significant eye strain, especially if everything else around the surgeon is white. White reflects all wavelengths of light, which can create glare under bright surgical lights and exacerbate eye strain.
Green, on the other hand, is less reflective and more restful on the eyes.
It reduces glare and helps maintain a comfortable working environment for medical professionals. Studies show that green and blue colors have a calming effect on the eyes, which is especially important during long and complex surgeries. The use of green scrubs minimizes the risk of eye fatigue and enhances surgeons’ focus on their work, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Enhancing Contrast and Vision Precision
The human eye perceives colors in a unique way, and certain colors can contrast sharply, allowing for better visual distinction. Blood is red, and spending prolonged time in an environment filled with red hues can cause something known as “color desensitization.” After long periods of exposure, the eye can become less sensitive to red, making it difficult for surgeons to distinguish subtle color variations in tissue.
Green, being on the opposite end of the color spectrum from red, provides a natural contrast.
By wearing green, surgeons help their eyes maintain sensitivity to red tones, making it easier to identify minute details during procedures. This contrast is vital for surgeons, as it enables them to detect even the slightest changes in tissues, blood vessels, and other critical structures.
Psychological Impact of Green in Medical Settings
The Calming Effect of Green
Colors can evoke emotions, and green is widely regarded as a soothing and calming color. It symbolizes nature, renewal, and healing—attributes that are especially fitting in a medical environment. In a setting where patients may feel anxious or fearful, the presence of green can have a calming psychological effect, reducing stress levels for both patients and medical staff.
For doctors and nurses, wearing green scrubs may help to maintain a sense of calmness and focus.
This helps them perform their duties more effectively, even under pressure. Additionally, a calmer environment is beneficial for patients as it contributes to a more relaxed and supportive atmosphere, which is crucial for recovery.
Associating Green with Safety and Cleanliness
Green is often associated with positive qualities like safety and well-being.
In fact, many safety signs and first-aid symbols around the world are green, reinforcing its connection with health and protection. In a hospital setting, green scrubs act as a visual reminder of the importance of safety, hygiene, and professionalism in patient care.
For patients, seeing doctors in green scrubs can create a subconscious sense of security and cleanliness, helping them feel more comfortable in the care of medical professionals.
Hygiene and Practicality in Scrubs Design
Green Scrubs Are Easier to Clean
In a surgical setting, scrubs are often exposed to bodily fluids, including blood, which is especially challenging to clean on white fabric. Green and blue scrubs make it easier to hide stains and remain visually acceptable during and after long procedures. This not only improves the appearance of surgical staff but also ensures that minor stains don’t interfere with the medical team’s concentration.
Many hospitals choose green scrubs because they can be washed in hot water without fading, allowing for thorough sanitation. Unlike white, which can show stains even after washing, green maintains its color better over time, making it a practical choice for environments that require constant cleanliness.
Avoiding the White Coat Effect in Surgery
Research has shown that people often associate white coats with authority and even anxiety, a phenomenon known as the "White Coat Effect."
In surgical settings, it’s crucial to minimize any anxiety-inducing factors, as patients need to feel at ease before going under anesthesia. Green scrubs create a softer, friendlier appearance that is less intimidating than stark white coats. This is beneficial not only for patient comfort but also for improving communication between doctors and patients before surgery.
Alternatives to Green: Why Blue Scrubs Are Also Common
While green is the most common choice for surgical scrubs, blue is also popular for similar reasons. Like green, blue provides high contrast against red, helps reduce eye strain, and evokes a calming effect. Hospitals often choose between blue and green based on personal preferences, branding, or even uniform policies. Both colors offer the same functional benefits, with the decision ultimately depending on what the hospital administration deems most suitable for their staff and environment.
Conclusion
The decision for doctors and medical staff to wear green or blue scrubs is a combination of science, psychology, and practicality.
Green and blue scrubs provide essential benefits, such as reducing eye strain, enhancing contrast, promoting cleanliness, and calming both patients and healthcare providers. What may seem like a simple uniform choice is actually a well-considered aspect of patient care that contributes to the overall functionality and atmosphere of the hospital environment.
Choosing green or blue scrubs is a small but meaningful detail in the healthcare field. It allows surgeons to focus better, reduces patient anxiety, and reinforces the cleanliness and professionalism essential to medical practice.
So, the next time you see a doctor in green or blue scrubs, remember that this color choice is a vital part of ensuring quality care and a supportive environment in hospitals around the world.
