hospital gowns

Abstract

The present invention is a hospital gown designed with adjustable overlapping front and back panels, open-top sleeves, adjustable length, etc. to meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers in healthcare settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] <Cross - reference to Related Applications> This application is a PCT international application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 017,847, filed on April 30, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] <Technical Field to Which the Invention Belongs> The present invention relates to hospital gowns.

Background Art

[0003] There has been little progress in the design of hospital gowns, and the current state of gown design has maintained undesirable features of hospital gowns, such as an open back. Modern hospital gowns continue to closely resemble 14th - century knight gowns or the "Johnny" gowns designed in the 20th century for anesthetized or bedridden patients. There is little data justifying this design of hospital gowns other than reasons such as infection control and emergency access for resuscitation. However, there is a large amount of data suggesting the physical and emotional adverse effects of current gown designs on patients, nurses, and doctors. In addition, there are no minimum standards or quality control for the design of patient clothing.

[0004] "Don't let the gown get you down" was the advice offered by a 26-year-old gentleman with leukemia in a study investigating the psychosocial impact of hospital gowns on patients and healthcare providers. See "Lucas C, Dellasega C, Smith C. 'Don't Let the Gown Get You Down: How Patients and Providers Perceive Hospital Gowns'" (abstract presented at Hospital Medicine 2019, March 24-27, National Harbor, Maryland). The study found that patients had resigned themselves to being "uncomfortable," "nightmarish," "exposed" in their uniforms, and were unable to even ask for more dignified attire for fear of appearing difficult to healthcare providers or damaging their therapeutic relationship. One 64-year-old woman with terminal cancer explained, "I have my own pajamas at home, but I don't bring them because I can't wear them here... [Wearing the gown] isn't really fun, but it's something [healthcare providers] have to do, something you have to do." See Lucas et al., "Don't Let the Gown Get You Down: How Patients and Providers Perceive Hospital Gowns," and Lucas C and Dellasega C, "You don't have to be dying to do comfort measures," for general reference.See, for a general overview, “Patients and Physicians Perceptions of Inpatient Attire” (abstract presented at the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting 2019 (April 11-13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)) and “Lucas C and Dellasega C. Finding common threads: How patients, physicians, and nurses perceive the patient gown. (Patient Experience Journal. 2020;7(1):51-64. doi:10.35680 / 2372-0247.1387).” Studies show that patients are more susceptible to feeling dehumanized and losing their identity in hospitals, and this is often exacerbated by wearing standard hospital gowns. As a relevant example, the mixed-methods study by Cogan, Morgan, and Georgiadis revealed that hospital gowns can lead to increased exposure, discomfort, helplessness, and embarrassment in patients during periods of potential vulnerability while receiving medical treatment. See "Cogan N, Morton L, and Georgiadis, E. 'Mixed methods study exploring the impact of the hospital gown on recovery and wellbeing: implications for policy and practice.' (The Lancet. 2019;394(Suppl.).doi:10.1016 / S0140-6736(19)32829-6)."

[0005] Hospital gowns strip individuals seeking medical assistance of their autonomy. They are a cornerstone of the transition that initiates the inhumane process of moving from "human" to "patient." One of the main problems with hospital gowns is their exposure, often downplayed in the joke, "Do you know who invented the hospital gown?...See-more Hiney!" This joke continued in two Super Bowl LIII commercials for a large Pennsylvania academic healthcare system and insurance company, depicting construction workers and businessmen in hospital gowns greeting less-than-satisfied colleagues to inform patients that their insurance coverage has expanded—that they are "fully protected." Hospital gowns have also become a staple of sitcoms.

[0006] It is well known that hospital gowns have flaws, yet little has been done to change them. Little is known about the origins of hospital gowns. Perhaps the best way to understand hospital gowns across time is to look at the artistic depictions of hospitals throughout history, by observing patient portrayals in television sitcoms, dramas, and films from the black and white era to the present day. For example, depictions of 14th-century wards show that all patients wore nightshirts and some kind of undergarment underneath. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, men's pajamas became common as hospital attire. It is unclear who first invented the traditional hospital gown, but the first gowns were designed about a century ago and had an open back for use by patients who were admitted the night before surgery, sedated, and moved to the anesthesia room while semi-asleep. Generally, the most common reasons hospitals began providing, requesting, or supplying clothing to patients were to reduce infection and improve hygiene, as clothing could be ruined by leakage of bodily fluids from various examinations, treatments, and procedures. In addition, in certain situations where life-saving measures require access to the undressed body to connect devices such as defibrillators to the patient, the gown can (in theory) be quickly removed. The simple, backless "Johnny" gown from the early 20th century has become the standard of care, with minimal meaningful changes over the past 100 years. One possible explanation for the persistence of the "Johnny" gown is that in past eras of medicine, patients wearing the gown were expected to remain bedridden for recovery, with their bare buttocks covered, and this style has remained the norm. Today, while patient ambulation is encouraged as part of venous thromboembolism ("VTE") prevention, the gown design lags behind medical standards.

[0007] While modern medicine emphasizes, values, and even promotes evidence-based medicine, patient-centered care, and quality care, hospital gowns stand in stark contrast to this promise of being a driving force for change. Hospital gowns have been left out of evidence-based research. Some might ask why gowns are decades behind modern medicine. This indifference seems to stem from (1) accepting medical tradition and overlooking the shortcomings of current hospital gowns, and (2) believing that changing hospital gowns is expensive. Nevertheless, several institutions have attempted change, including Hackensack University Medical Center in partnership with Cynthia Rowley and Nicole Miller (1999), the Cleveland Clinic in partnership with Diane von Furstenberg (2010), and Henry Ford Health System in Detroit with its "Model G" gowns (2016). Although these efforts to improve hospital gowns have been made in university hospitals, the change has not lasted long and has not become widespread. A professor at the University of North Carolina's Textile College reasoned: "The environment surrounding hospitals is subject to many pressures that influence what to purchase and when. Cost management, inventory management, storage space… The value of apparel items increases if they can replace or enhance other supplies used in the hospital environment, such as gowns that can also monitor blood pressure and heart rate." See Limbong A. “Can A Patient Gown Makeover Move Hospitals To Embrace Change?” (NPR. https: / / www.npr.org / sections / health-shots / 2018 / 02 / 11 / 582830491 / can-a-patient-gown-makeover-move-hospitals-to-embrace-change. February 11, 2018).

[0008] Finally, current hospital gowns pose a risk of causing small patients to fall due to their size, and they can also unintentionally put patients in danger by preventing quick access to the chest to attach defibrillation pads to patients in cardiac arrest. Therefore, there is a need for hospital gowns that are adapted to current medical care and hospital environments while meeting current expectations and standards for patient dignity. This invention addresses this need in particular. [Overview of the project]

[0009] The present invention relates to a hospital gown comprising two front panels and having an adjustable overlapping wrap front, each front panel having a fastening side and a seam side, each front panel being sewn to an adjacent back panel at the seam side to form a side seam, each front panel being secured to the gown at the fastening side using fasteners, and each front panel having a lower front edge. The gown also has an overlapping back panel consisting of two back panels and an adjustable neckline, each back panel having a lower back edge. The gown includes a first set of fasteners, each of which is positioned near the lower front edge of each of the two front panels; a second set of fasteners, each of which is positioned near the horizontal midline of the front panels of the gown; a third set of fasteners, each of which is positioned near the lower back edge of each of the two back panels; and a fourth set of fasteners, each of which is positioned near the horizontal midline of the back panels of the gown. The gown also has two sleeves, each with a sleeve opening along the length of the sleeve. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] For the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention, the accompanying drawings and description illustrate preferred embodiments thereof, from which various embodiments of the present invention, its structure, configuration and method of operation, and many advantages can be understood and recognized. The accompanying drawings, by reference, are part of this specification.

[0011] [Figure 1] Figures 1A and 1B show one embodiment of a full-length gown according to the present invention.

[0012] [Figure 2] Figures 2A and 2B show the gowns from Figures 1A and 1B adjusted to shirt length.

[0013] [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B show alternative embodiments of a full-length gown according to the present invention.

[0014] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gown according to the present invention, showing possible locations for snaps or fasteners.

[0015] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the design pattern of one embodiment of the front bodice of a gown according to the present invention.

[0016] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows one embodiment of a full-length gown according to the present invention.

[0017] [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the gown from Figure 6 adjusted to a tunic length.

[0018] [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the gown according to the present invention, adjusted to tunic length.

[0019] [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a table showing proposals from patients and healthcare providers regarding improvements to hospital gowns. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a table showing proposals from patients and healthcare providers regarding improvements to hospital gowns.

[0020] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a prototype of a gown in its precursor stage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 11] Figures 11A and 11B show another view of the gown embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0022] [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a traditional petal sleeve. ]>

[0023] [Figure 13A] Figure 13A shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B shows various data analyzed by gender. <o000109>Figure 13C shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13D] Figure 13D shows various data analyzed by gender. <00I0113>Figure 13E shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13F] Figure 13F shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13G] Figure 13G shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13H] Figure 13H shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13I] Figure 13I shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13J] Figure 13J shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13K] Figure 13K shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13L] Figure 13L shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13M] Figure 13M shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13N] Figure 13N shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13O] Figure 13O shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13P] Figure 13P shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13Q] Figure 13Q shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13R] Figure 13R shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13S] Figure 13S shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 13T] Figure 13T shows various data analyzed by gender.

[0024] [Figure 14A] Figure 14A shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14C] Figure 14C shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14D] Figure 14D shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14E] Figure 14E shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14F] Figure 14F shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14G] Figure 14G shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14H] Figure 14H shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14I] Figure 14I shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14J] Figure 14J shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14K] Figure 14K shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14L] Figure 14L shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14M] Figure 14M shows various data analyzed by gender. [Figure 14N] Figure 14N shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14O] Figure 14O shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14P] Figure 14P shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14Q] Figure 14Q shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14R] Figure 14R shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14S] Figure 14S shows various data analyzed by age. [Figure 14T] Figure 14T shows various data analyzed by age.

[0025] [Figure 15A] Figure 15A shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15B] Figure 15B shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15C] Figure 15C shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15D] Figure 15D shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15E] Figure 15E shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15F] Figure 15F shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15G] Figure 15G shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15H] Figure 15H shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15I] Figure 15I shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15J] Figure 15J shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15K] Figure 15K shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15L] Figure 15L shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15M] Figure 15M shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15N] Figure 15N shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15O] Figure 15O shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15P] Figure 15P shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15Q] Figure 15Q shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15R] Figure 15R shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15S] Figure 15S shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Figure 15T] Figure 15T shows various data analyzed by group (community vs. healthcare). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The present invention will be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying figures (which constitute and are part of this disclosure). The present invention is not limited to any specific apparatus, method, process, element or parameter described and / or shown herein, and the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the claimed invention. All patents and other publications specified herein are, in full, part of this specification. In the event of any inconsistency between this specification and any incorporated reference, the treatment in the incorporated reference shall be deemed to supplement the treatment herein.

[0027] Furthermore, as used herein, including in the attached claims, the singular forms “a certain” and “it” include the plural, and references to a particular number include at least that particular number unless explicitly indicated by the context. Ranges may be expressed herein as “about” or “approximately” a certain value to and / or “about” or “approximately” another particular value. Where such ranges are expressed, in another embodiment, they include from one particular value to and / or another particular value. Similarly, where the antecedent “about” is used to express a value as an approximation, it will be understood that a particular value constitutes another embodiment.

[0028] <Study Overview> Various embodiments of the present invention were derived from information gathered by surveying the opinions of physicians, nurses, and patients regarding hospital gowns currently used in medical settings. This study involved interviews with 30 patients and healthcare providers selected from a university medical institution between December 2017 and March 2018. Participants were directly recruited from the hematology / oncology department if they were at least 18 years old, fluent in English, and deemed medically stable. Qualified healthcare providers with at least one year of work experience were recruited. Participants included 10 patients (5 female, 5 male), 10 nurses (9 female, 1 male), and 10 physicians (6 female, 4 male). The data described and relied upon below are shown in Figures 9A and 9B. This data may be referenced to support the following discussion and to support the need for new and improved patient gowns in this field.

[0029] <Patient Themes> The survey revealed that patients believe hospital gowns are designed for the convenience of healthcare providers. Patients expressed resignation at having to wear revealing and unpleasant gowns. Two patients viewed the gowns therapeutically, that is, as a formalization of the disease-treatment process. Many patients revealed the negative impact the gowns had on their self-esteem, identity, and dignity. Wearing the gown was a marker of illness, and it deprived patients of their identity and dignity when they had to hand over their clothing.

[0030] Furthermore, the study revealed that gowns were a problem for most patients, who described them as uncomfortable, restrictive, and difficult to manage on their own. Patient participants pointed out that existing gowns were (1) too tight around the neck, (2) difficult to tie themselves, (3) uncomfortable to wear, and (4) often did not cover most of the patient's body. It was also found that existing gowns were particularly difficult and embarrassing when using the toilet, as they were often too low or the ties would fall into the toilet.

[0031] Not all patients had a problem with the gowns. Some patients preferred oversized gowns, while others preferred them for hygiene reasons.

[0032] The patients revealed that they have devised strategies to overcome various problems with the current hospital gowns. These strategies included carefully moving to the toilet and keeping the room door closed except when sleeping.

[0033] Patients expressed their individuality by pairing hospital gowns with leggings or pajama pants. Some patients even chose to wear their favorite clothes. The most common strategy was the "double gown," where one gown was worn facing forward and the other backward. The double gown allowed for modesty and helped boost patients' self-confidence, as it ensured both the front and back of the patient's body were covered. The final strategy for patients was to accept wearing the gown.

[0034] Furthermore, patient responses revealed that patients consistently affirmed the power of color. Patients explained that bright colors improve mood and outlook, and help distract them from the health problems they are facing.

[0035] <Healthcare Provider Themes> Nurses and doctors described existing gowns as "boring," "one-size-fits-none," and "doll-like." Healthcare providers also stated that gowns were highly revealing, uncomfortable, and vulnerable. Despite these negative perceptions, healthcare providers found usefulness in gowns that ensured access and safety (e.g., easy identification of patients in emergencies). However, as the interviews progressed, healthcare providers often contradicted these perceptions, citing unavoidable inconveniences and extra time with current gowns, particularly due to patients not wearing existing gowns correctly. This further embarrasses patients and / or healthcare providers.

[0036] Both doctors and nurses agreed that the snaps and ties for quick access made their jobs more difficult. Two nurses even pointed out that the distinctive oversized gowns posed a risk of tripping. One nurse said she witnessed a patient undergoing an MRI while dragging the oversized gown, still attached to the IV pole, until the IV fluids were fully administered.

[0037] The attire of hospitalized patients fueled prejudice and even drew critical comments from nurses and doctors. According to both groups of healthcare providers, patients wearing hospital gowns were perceived as "worse," more dependent, and having no choice but to accept their role as patient. Nurses also viewed patients in gowns as lacking social support and motivation. Conversely, patients in their own clothes were seen as "healthy," "willing," "independent," and "recovering."

[0038] Doctors and nurses assumed that patients dressed in their own clothes "didn't really need to be hospitalized," "were on their way home," or were probably seeking painkillers. One doctor admitted that seeing a patient dressed in their own clothes could give the impression that the patient didn't need to be hospitalized, potentially dulling their judgment.

[0039] Healthcare providers were acutely aware of the vulnerability induced by patient gowns and how the perceived need for access outweighed patient preferences. Nurses expressed guilt for giving patients unattractive clothing, saying it was like stripping them of a part of their identity. Nurses devised coping strategies, including apologizing, handing over gowns, and talking to people throughout the process. Doctors agreed that gowns were a threat to identity and caused a loss of patient autonomy. In addition, doctors (not nurses) said they felt a lack of pride, and even embarrassment, when patients came in wearing reused, worn-out gowns.

[0040] Like nurses, doctors have also devised ways to cope with the negative feelings associated with seeing and caring for patients in gowns. One strategy was to avoid looking at the part of the patient's body below the face, in order to focus on seeing the patient as a person rather than just a patient. Many doctors were pleased to see patients in home clothing and even viewed clothing as an opportunity to build intimacy. Doctors have also focused on increasing patient autonomy, acknowledging that patients feel they lose self-control in the hospital, which can potentially be improved by offering clothing choices.

[0041] <Converging Themes> Participants agreed that gowns are uncomfortable, revealing, inducing vulnerability, and visually unattractive. Of the 46 connotations mentioned, 39 were negative. Patients felt physically and psychologically uncomfortable in gowns and felt vulnerable due to a lack of modesty and privacy. All participants felt that gowns promoted a loss of dignity, identity, and self-esteem. Healthcare providers' first impressions of gowns also focused on their appearance, confirming patient distress.

[0042] <Subsequent Research - Design> The online "Patient Gowns Opinions Survey" was created by adopting several items from the "Questionnaire for Hospital Caregivers," developed in 2009 by Swetambali Jha, MS, of the Textile College, North Carolina State University. Furthermore, 11 Likert scale items were developed to assess the purpose, function, and comfort of patient gowns, as well as their impact on the patient's experience and emotional well-being. The Likert scale options were: (1) never, (2) a little, (3) somewhat, (4) quite, (5) always / very. All participants were presented with these 11 Likert scale items. To obtain qualitative data in addition to quantitative data, an open-ended response section was added. Using a series of checkboxes, all participants were asked to report the style of patient gowns they encountered, the condition of the gowns they encountered, and any desired changes to patient gowns. Furthermore, participants were asked, "If you had a choice, which patient gown would you prefer?" and were presented with 10 options for patient attire with descriptions, and asked to rank their top three using a dropdown menu. Images of options 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 were obtained by searching the internet using the keywords "patient gown," "hospital gown," and "patient clothing." Options 3 and 7 reflected U Matter designs. The sample size for this study was 197 people.

[0043] <Subsequent Research - Participants> Participants were presented with an outline of participation in the survey and eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old, fluent in English, and able to consent to the review themselves. They were asked if they met the eligibility requirements and consented to participate. If they selected "No," the survey was automatically terminated. Records of 250 online surveys were initiated over a four-week period from April to May 2020, with 197 (79%) completed. Of the 197 participants who completed the survey, 144 were women (73%), 68 were non-professional community members (34%), and 185 (94%) had experience wearing patient gowns in inpatient and / or outpatient settings. The 129 healthcare professionals (66%) included 27 physicians, 2 Applied Patients (APPs), 10 nurses, 53 other healthcare professionals, and 37 vocational school students enrolled in MD, DO, or PA programs. "Other healthcare providers" refers to professions such as radiographers (66%), clinical pharmacists, paramedics, child life specialists, ultrasound technicians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and healthcare administrators. The majority of the participants who completed the survey, i.e., 55%, belonged to the 25-34 age group, and 74% held at least a bachelor's degree. Data from this study are provided in Figures 13A-13T, 14A-14T, and 15A-15T, showing data analyzed by gender, age, and group (community vs. healthcare), respectively. The two gowns that received the most positive feedback and reviews from various listeners were the full-length gown 2 of the present invention (referred to as Option 3 = U Matter as a gown in the chart / table) and the tunic-length gown 4 of the present invention worn with the pants 100 of the present invention (referred to as Option 7 = U Matter as a tunic version with pants in the chart / table).

[0044] As shown in Figures 13A to 15T, Option 3 (U Matter gown) was ranked as the top gown option by all participants, followed by Option 7 (U Matter tunic + pants) in second place overall, and then the wrap-style gown (Option 10) in third place overall. In a comparison between the community and healthcare professionals (Figures 15A and 15T), the community again ranked U Matter as the top gown overall, the U Matter tunic + pants version in second place, and Option 10 (wrap gown) in third place. Healthcare professionals ranked U Matter as the top gown overall, the wrap gown (Option 10) in second place, and Option 7 (U Matter tunic + pants) in third place. Among all female participants (Figures 13A to 13T), Option 10 (wrap gown) was the top-ranked gown, followed by the U Matter gown (Option 3) and the U Matter tunic + pants (Option 7). For all male participants (Figures 13A-13T), the shirt and pants outfit option (Option 9) was the top choice, followed by the U Matter tunic and pants option (Option 7) and the U Matter gown version (Option 3). For the 18-24 age group as a whole (Figures 14A-14T), the top three options were Option 10 (wrap gown), Option 3 (U Matter gown), and Option 7 (U Matter tunic + pants). For the 25-34 age group as a whole (Figures 14A-14T), the top three options were Option 3 (U Matter gown), Option 7 (U Matter tunic + pants), and Option 10 (wrap gown). For the entire 34-44 age group (Figures 14A-14T), the top three options were Option 3 (U Matter gown), Option 7 (U Matter tunic + pants), and Option 10 (wrap gown).For the 45-54 age group as a whole (Figures 14A-14T), the top three options were option 10 (wrap gown), option 4 (standard V-neck hospital gown), and option 7 (U Matter tunic + pants). For the 55-64 age group as a whole (Figures 14A-14T), the top three options were option 3 (U Matter gown), option 9 (shirt and pants), and option 7 (U Matter tunic + pants). For the 65 and over age group as a whole (Figures 14A-14T), the top three options were option 7 (U Matter tunic + pants), option 10 (wrap gown), and option 3 (U Matter gown).

[0045] <Suggested Improvements> The initial survey revealed that nine doctors and nine nurses preferred patients to wear regular clothes, especially layered separates, in the hospital. The only doctor who chose gowns requested one of "Nicole Miller's gowns." The only nurse who preferred gowns cited hygiene as an advantage, feeling that wearing a new gown daily motivated patients to care for themselves. Participants agreed that hospitalized patients' clothing should be "patient-specific and patient-dependent" and that they should have the opportunity to wear their own clothes if possible. Through interviews and sketching, it was determined that the "ideal" hospital attire would be separates with choices in color / pattern, fabric, and size. Zippers and Velcro® were also suggested as alternative fasteners.

[0046] <Conclusion of the Study> The literature frequently reports that patients often lose their dignity in hospitals, and that traditional patient gowns are often a contributing factor. Gowns physically transform individuals into "patients," denying their identity and autonomy, and forcing a uniformity through one-size-fits-all gowns. In this study, patient participants described how dreary, revealing gowns negatively impacted their self-esteem, identity, and motivation. The demotivating effect of patient gowns on healthcare providers was astonishing. Healthcare providers expressed dissatisfaction, acknowledging that they play both passive and active roles in initiating a funnel that strips hospitals of their humanity through the transformative act of wearing gowns. Nurses apologized for the gowns, and doctors expressed guilt about having patients wear them.

[0047] The tables shown in Figures 9A and 9B show participants' repeated suggestions for redesigning patient gowns. Among the interviewed patients, the top three suggestions for improving patient gowns were modesty, separate pants / options, and color. The top three suggestions from nurses were color options, separate pants / options, and softer fabrics. The top three suggestions from physicians were separate pants / options, color options, and ease of access.

[0048] In this study, patients and healthcare providers described numerous opportunities to improve inpatient attire that could help re-empower identity, individuality, and humanity in treatment, in order to truly deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care. One approach is to encourage patients to wear their own clothes in the hospital whenever possible, in a way that, in the words of one physician, is "patient-specific and patient-dependent." Healthcare providers and patients also indicated a preference for separates as the "ideal" hospital attire. The participants' ideal inpatient attire consisted of separates with color options that added modesty and warmth. The choice of color, fabric, or design reconstructs autonomy and is essential to the patient's overall physical and emotional well-being. Participants acknowledged that patient gowns are a "necessary evil" because there are always times when patients cannot safely wear their own clothes or separates, with healthcare providers citing the ICU as primary evidence. Nevertheless, healthcare providers felt that improvements were needed to boost morale for both patients and healthcare providers.

[0049] Notably, there was a significant disconnect between the perceptions of patients and healthcare providers. Patients described gowns as an undisputed "normal procedure" and something expected upon admission. Healthcare providers also felt that "policy" prohibited personal clothing, although in reality, there was no institutional obligation for patients to wear gowns. Upon receiving a gown, patients resigned themselves to wearing one, and most felt they had no choice. Healthcare providers suggested that by wearing a gown, some patients appeared to be worsening, dependent, "acting sick," and not focused on recovery. Healthcare providers agreed that if they were patients, they would want to wear their own clothes in the hospital, which may be why they viewed patients who were dressed as healthier and more motivated. Patients interviewed wanted to wear their own clothes in the hospital but believed it was "not permitted."

[0050] In today's healthcare environment, which is dedicated to preserving patient autonomy, it's time to challenge the centuries-old practice of backless patient gowns and focus healthcare on the unique needs of each patient, developing evidence-based care plans. Current inpatient attire presents a significant opportunity to improve the healthcare system: even small changes, such as adding brighter colors or offering scrub pants as bottoms, can bring hope to patients who have resigned themselves to the "uniform" by demonstrating that hospitals are listening to and caring for patients as individuals.

[0051] From the perspective of healthcare providers, changing clothing can also help to make patients appear more humane and dignified. Healthcare providers have shown distress in providing those seeking care with shabby, cold, and monotonous, unadorned gowns that they find repulsive. This invention addresses these long-held requests and needs of both patients and healthcare providers.

[0052] <Solution> In response to these research findings, various embodiments of the hospital gown 1 of the present invention utilize novel combinations of several novel elements and design details, including but not limited to: an optional faux collar 74 with access points for a central line / port; a petal sleeve 60 to allow patient independence in putting on and taking off the gown 1; a double back structure; an optional snap line along the front of the gown 1 10 to improve access to examinations and minimize exposure; a function to convert the gown 1 from full length 2 to tunic length 4; a wrap front 10; and various fastening options such as snaps, ties, and Velcro 54.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of the hospital gown 1 of the present invention are shown in Figure 1 (shown over a person in Figures 6, 7, 11A and 11B), Figure 2 and Figure 3. One embodiment of the novel hospital gown 1, described in more detail herein, comprises an adjustable overlapping wrap front 10 made from two front panels 12 (non-limiting examples thereof are shown in Figures 5 and 10). Each front panel 12 has a fastening side 14 and a seam side 16. Furthermore, each front panel 12 is sewn at the seam side 16 to an adjacent back panel 32 at the seam side 36 of the back panel to create a side seam 22, and each front panel 12 is fastened to the gown 1 at the fastening side 14 using fasteners 50. Each front panel 12 also has a lower front edge 18. The hospital gown 1 also comprises an overlapping back 30 comprising two back panels 30 and an adjustable neckline 42. Each back panel 30 has a lower back edge 38. In most embodiments, the back panels 30 and the front panels 12 are made to be of similar length such that the back edge 38 and the front edge 18 fall to approximately the same length.

[0054] Various embodiments of the hospital gown 1 also have multiple sets of fasteners 50 arranged to make the length of the gown 1 adjustable. The first set of fasteners 50 consists of at least one fastener 50 positioned on each of the two front panels 12 near the lower front edge 18 of each of the two front panels 12. The second set of fasteners 59 includes at least one corresponding fastener 50, which is positioned on each of the two front panels 12 near the horizontal midline 20 of the front of the gown 1. These two sets of fasteners 50 make it possible to shorten the front of the gown 1 10 from a full-length gown 2 to a shorter one, similar to a shirt-length gown 6 or a tunic-length gown 4.

[0055] The hospital gown 1 of this embodiment also includes a third fastening set 50, which includes at least one fastener 50 positioned on each of the two back panels 30 near the lower back edge 38 of each of the two back panels 30. A fourth fastening set 50 includes at least one corresponding fastener 50, which is positioned on each of the two back panels 30 near the horizontal midline 40 of the back of the gown 1. These two fastening sets 50 allow the back of the gown 1 to be shortened from a full-length gown 2 to a shorter one, similar to a shirt-length gown 6 or a tunic-length gown 4.

[0056] An alternative embodiment of the present invention incorporates an additional set of fasteners 50 to create a number of different lengths to which the gown 1 can be adjusted. For example, by placing a fifth set of fasteners 50 on each of the two front panels 12 below the horizontal midline 20 of the front of the gown 1, the lower part of the gown 1 can be shortened to a length between full length 2 and shirt length 6, for example, tunic length 4. Furthermore, to achieve the same thing with the back of the gown 1 30, a sixth set of fasteners 50 can be placed on each of the two back panels 30 below the horizontal midline 40 of the back of the gown 1. Any number of sets of fasteners 50 may be placed along the front and back of the gown 1 so that the length of the gown 1 can be adjusted to any length.

[0057] The hospital gown 1 of the first embodiment also has two sleeves 60. In a preferred embodiment, each sleeve 60 has a sleeve opening 62 along the length of the sleeve 60. A preferred embodiment of the gown 1 also has at least one fastener 50 along the adjustable neckline 40 of the overlapping back panel 30 to adjust the size of the adjustable neckline 40 of the back panel. In a particular embodiment, this fastener 50 is one or more plastic snaps 52. Various embodiments also have at least one telescopic pocket 70 on the upper portion 13 of at least one front panel 12.

[0058] There are various alternative embodiments of the hospital gown 1 that incorporate one or more of the various different features. One alternative embodiment of the hospital gown 1 also includes at least one fastener 50 positioned along each sleeve opening 62 to hold the sleeve opening 62 closed. The hospital gown 1 may also have at least one side seam 22 having at least one side seam opening 24. These side seam openings 24 allow medical instruments such as tubes and wires to pass through the sides of the gown 1.

[0059] Any embodiment of the hospital gown 1 according to the present invention can be used together with hospital pants 100 designed according to the present invention. A preferred embodiment of the hospital pants 100 includes an elasticated opening waistband 102, a drawstring 104 threaded through the waistband 102, a fastener 50 for closing the waistband 102, and a placket 106.

[0060] The fasteners 50 of the present invention may be any of the wide variety of fasteners 50, as will be described in more detail herein. These fasteners 50 may be directly connected to the gown 1 (by being sewn, glued, or attached in any way suitable for the type of fastener 50), or they may be connected to tabs 80 of the material attached to the gown 1. Some examples of fasteners 50 for use with various embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, strings, Velcro 54, snaps, hooks and holes, buttons and buttonholes, zippers, etc. When selecting an appropriate fastener 50 for various parts of the gown 1, the purpose of the fastener 50, the need for quick medical release of the fastener 50, the requirement that the fastener 50 not interfere with imaging techniques such as X-rays, the strength, durability, cost and manufacturing characteristics of the fastener 50, etc. When using snaps in any embodiment of the present invention, the ideal style of snaps includes the characteristics of being lead-free and / or metal-free and being able to withstand high temperatures. These properties help eliminate X-ray artifacts, increase the durability of the snaps, and ensure they can withstand hygiene and washing.

[0061] To avoid having seams, it is possible to construct adjacent front and back panels 30 from a single piece of material, but in most embodiments of the hospital gown 1, the front and back panels 30 are cut from different pieces of material. The seam side 16 of each front panel 12 is sewn to the adjacent back panel 30 (at the seam side 36 of the back panel) to form a side seam 22 (various diagrams of these parts are shown in Figures 1 to 8, 10, 11A and 11B). Sleeves 60 of any design may have a sleeve opening 62 along the length of each sleeve 60. In one embodiment, the sleeve opening 62 faces the upper side of the sleeve 60, i.e., the shoulder side. The sleeve opening 62 may be closed using a plastic snap 52 or Velcro 54 (or other suitable fastener 50 or closing mechanism). Any embodiment may have at least one telemetry pocket 70 in at least one of the front panels 12 in the area of ​​the patient's chest. The design of the back panel 30 of the gown 1 is also shown in Figure 1, and consists of two overlapping back panels 30 which are fastened to the front panel 12 at a side seam 22. One embodiment of the present invention includes an adjustable neckline 40 along the back panel 30 of the gown 1. Plastic snaps 52 along the back neckline 40 fasten the adjustable neckline 40 of the gown 1 and allow it to be adjusted for comfort and access. In this preferred embodiment, the side seam 22 may have one or more slits near the patient's abdomen for tubes, drains, and lines.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a full-length hospital gown 2 that can be converted into a tunic-length hospital gown 4 (or a shirt-length gown 6). This conversion feature has several advantages, including, but is not limited to: allowing the length of the gown 1 to be adjusted to accommodate patients of varying heights; minimizing the risk of tripping due to an overly long gown 1; eliminating excess length of the gown 1 worn over trousers 100; and allowing patients to manage and select their hospital clothing. To achieve this length change, both the front panel 10 and the back panel 30 of the gown 1 are designed to have at least four fasteners 50 on each side (front panel 10 and back panel 30). These fasteners 50 may include, but are not limited to, any suitable mechanism including Velcro 54, snaps, and ties. Each side of the gown 1 (front panel 10 and back panel 30) has at least two fasteners 50 near the lower edge of the gown 1 (ideally 5 to 9 inches from the edge), which correspond to at least two fasteners 50 near the waist or horizontal midlines 20, 40 of the gown 1. More specifically, at least one fastener 50 is located near the lower edge of each of the four panels, and at least one fastener 50 is located near the horizontal midlines 20, 40 of each of the four panels. By connecting or joining the corresponding at least two fasteners 50 near the edges of the gown 1 to at least two fasteners 50 near the waist of the gown 1, the length of these panels is shortened, changing the gown 1 from a full-length gown 2 to a tunic-length gown 4. Figure 2 shows the full-length gown 2 from Figure 1 shortened to a shirt-length gown 6 by fastening the corresponding fasteners 50.

[0063] While the most common length change is expected to be from a full-length gown 2 to a tunic-length gown 4, the hospital gown 1 of the present invention can be designed to be convertible from various lengths to various shorter lengths (and so that a single gown 1 is adjustable to multiple lengths). A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the ability to shorten the length of the gown and fix the gown 1 in that shortened length. The original length and the final length are interchangeable. In a healthcare setting, depending on the situation, a gown 1 that can be converted from full-length 2 to shirt length 6, or from tunic length 4 to shirt length 6, may be preferred. Similarly, it is possible to design a gown 1 according to the present invention to be convertible to multiple shorter lengths by arranging a series of snaps (or other fasteners 50) along the length of each panel, thereby creating further options for length customization by fastening the lower snaps to either of the corresponding upper snaps.

[0064] Finally, various embodiments of the gown 1 of the present invention can be combined with pants 100 to enhance patient comfort, modesty, and self-esteem (examples are shown in Figures 1 and 2). In a preferred embodiment, the pants 100 are pull-on, featuring a drawstring 104 and an open elastic waistband secured with Velcro 54. In an alternative embodiment, the pants 100 may have an open waistband secured with a drawstring 104. Furthermore, the pants 100 of this embodiment have a placket 106, which may optionally be secured with Velcro 54 or other fasteners 50. Alternatively, the waist of the pants 100 may be designed to have a pull-on elastic waistband 102, which may optionally be combined with a drawstring 104. The pants 100 may have an optional back pocket 72 (as shown in Figure 3) for patient use and to give the pants 100 a streetwear-like appearance rather than an institutional garment appearance.

[0065] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, which shares many of the essential characteristics of the gown 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, but has several alternative design elements that may be desirable options for patients and / or healthcare providers. The gown 1 shown in Figure 3 has a faux collar 74, which makes the gown 1 look more like streetwear than conventional hospital gowns 1, and here again enhances the patient's self-esteem. The faux collar 74 of this embodiment is raised to expose at least one opening for lines, tubes and / or drains. Furthermore, a preferred design of this collar 74 is a modest V-neckline 40 along the front body 10 and a relaxed crew neckline 40 along the back body 30, which provides the patient with further comfort and freedom of movement. Comfort and freedom of movement are also enhanced by snaps along the back body of the collar 74, which can be adjusted to suit the patient's preference and / or to accommodate medical procedures to fit various neck sizes.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3, the front body 10 of the gown 1 is a one-piece garment having a front placket with snaps that extend from the collar 74 to at least the midline 20 of the patient's chest. The front body 10 of this embodiment also has at least one telemetry pocket 70 located near or above the patient's chest. The design of the telemetry pocket 70 is generally desirable to minimize accidental exposure of the patient's chest by making the wide opening as small as possible, especially in the case of female patients, so as not to cause a large, sagging opening. Similar to the gown 1 of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gown 1 of this embodiment has sleeves 60, which open along their length near the upper end of the sleeves 60. However, in the case of the gown 1 of this embodiment (shown in Figure 3), the sleeves 60 are designed as petal sleeves 60. In garment design, petal sleeves 60 are short sleeves 60, and the sleeves 60 are sewn into the armhole so that the material overlaps over the arm (illustrated in Figure 12). The petal sleeve 60 may be left unfastened where its ends meet near the top of the arm, or it may be fastened with any of the various fasteners 50, including, but not limited to, snaps or Velcro 54. A preferred embodiment of the present invention does not use the petal sleeve 60. Instead, the sleeve 60 of the preferred embodiment is designed as a standard-shaped sleeve 60 and has a strip of Velcro 54 (or other fastener 50) that fastens an open slit along the length of the top of the sleeve 60. However, the design of the petal sleeve 60 is a possible alternative design that achieves the same purpose as the open-top conventional sleeve 60 of the preferred embodiment.

[0067] Similar to the gown 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the embodiment of gown 1 shown in Figure 3 has at least one slit or opening 24 along at least one side seam 22 for accommodating lines, tubes and / or drains. It also features an overlapping back panel 30 designed using two overlapping panels, which can discreetly cover the patient's back while providing access to the patient's body. These overlapping back panels 30 may be secured using various mechanisms, including ties around the patient's waist.

[0068] Similar to the gown 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the embodiment of gown 1 shown in Figure 3 is designed to allow the length of the gown 1 to be shortened. However, unlike the gown 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, which can be changed from full length 2 to tunic length 4 as illustrated, the gown 1 shown in Figure 3 is designed to offer three or more different lengths. The gown 1 shown in Figure 3 can be changed from full length 2 to tunic length 4 or shirt length 6 (Figure 8 shows the shorter length being worn by a person) by placing fasteners 50 near the edge of the gown 1, as well as at multiple locations along the length of the gown 1. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of fasteners 50 and their placement along the lengths of the front and back panels 10 and 30 of the gown 1 will create a gown 1 that can be fastened to create a virtually infinite number of lengths.

[0069] Figure 3 also shows another optional design in any embodiment of the hospital gown 1 of the present invention, namely, a pocket 72 near the lower front seam of the gown 1. By shortening the length of the gown 1 by placing at least one pocket 72 near the lower front seam of the gown 1, the gown 1 will have a front pocket 72 near the patient's waist. The features of this optional design are that it provides the patient with useful access to the pocket 72 and creates a style of the shortened gown 1 that makes the gown 1 feel more like streetwear than a hospital gown.

[0070] Figures 4 and 5 show various alternative designs for the front panel 10 of the gown 1 according to the present invention. The alternative embodiment shown in Figure 4 reduces manufacturing costs and X-ray artifacts by using fewer snaps than the gown 1 shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows the width-to-length ratio of the front panel 12 of the gown 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the arrangement of optional fasteners 50.

[0071] In any and / or all embodiments of the present invention, various snaps, ties, or other fasteners 50 may be color-coded to help the patient better understand how to properly wear, adjust, and / or fasten the gown 1. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, there may be a lining beneath the snaps (or fasteners 50) to better prevent tearing of the gown material 1. There are various ways to achieve this, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this may include assembling the gown 1 such that the material of the gown 1 is sandwiched between an interlining beneath the material of the gown 1 and snaps on the opposite or outside of the material of the gown 1.

[0072] Various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a specific fabric or category of fabric. The choice of fabric is determined by various factors, including cost, comfort, durability, washability, antibacterial properties, feel, and breathability. However, as mentioned above, research in this field has revealed that both patients and healthcare providers prefer bright colors and cheerful patterns (an example of which is shown in Figure 3) that have a positive effect on mood. Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention involves using a variety of colors and patterns to leverage their positive effect on mood in order to better help patients feel like individuals rather than just patients. The fiber content of the gown 1 of the present invention may be determined by all of the above factors, but a preferred embodiment of the present invention is made of a cotton-polyester blend that can withstand washing at high temperatures of up to 170°F.

[0073] While the design of the present invention is compatible with the use of MRI on patients, the use of snap lines in some embodiments of the present invention results in significant artifacts in the X-rays. Therefore, preferred embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 have a snap-free front closure with a double-backed rear flap to avoid these X-ray artifacts.

[0074] To facilitate mass production of the present invention, the prototype of the preferred design uses four pieces and a minimum number of snaps (see Figures 1, 2, and 10). The four collars 74 may be eliminated in some embodiments of the present invention if they pose a potential obstacle in certain situations, and the front opening may be adjusted to be present at a level that serves its intended purpose of port access. Finally, in a preferred embodiment of the pants, the closed drawstring waist 104 was changed to an open drawstring waist 104 with a Velcro 54 closure for easier donning and doffing and to accommodate the catheter.

[0075] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various attributes of this invention can be combined in various ways, and that all such combinations fall within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A hospital gown comprising: a one-piece front body having a neckline, a front horizontal midline, and a lower front edge, the front body being configured as a wrap construction including two overlapping front body panels from the neckline to the front horizontal midline, the front horizontal midline being positioned at a patient's waist when the hospital gown is worn; a one-piece back section having an adjustable neckline, a horizontal back midline, and a lower back edge, the horizontal back midline being positioned at the patient's waist when the hospital gown is worn; two side seams formed by sewing the two front body panels to the back body, at least one of the two side seams having a side seam opening; a first fastener set disposed near the lower front body edge; a second fastener set disposed near a horizontal midline of the front body and corresponding to the first fastener set, wherein when the first fastener set and the second fastener set are connected, the lower front body edge is raised and the front body is shortened independently of the back body; and a third fastener set disposed near the lower back body edge; a fourth fastener set disposed near the horizontal midline of the rear body and corresponding to the third fastener set, wherein when the third fastener set and the fourth fastener set are connected, the lower rear body edge is raised and the rear body is shortened independently of the front body; and A hospital gown comprising:

2. The hospital gown of claim 1, further comprising at least two sets of fasteners positioned along the adjustable neckline for adjusting the size of the adjustable neckline, the at least two sets of fasteners all being the same color.

3. 10. The hospital gown of claim 1, further comprising at least one pocket on a top of at least one of the two front panels, the at least one pocket being configured not to hang open or droop.

4. The hospital gown of claim 1, further comprising at least one tie for closing the wrap structure.

5. The hospital gown of claim 1, further comprising a strap for securing the hospital gown around the patient's waist.

6. The hospital gown of claim 1, wherein the back and front panels are made from a cotton-polyester blend in at least one bright color.

7. The hospital gown of claim 2, wherein the back is open from the adjustable neckline to the horizontal midline of the back.

8. The hospital gown of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first through fourth fastener sets is selected from the group consisting of Velcro (registered trademark), snaps, buttons and buttonholes, hooks and holes, and ties and zippers.

9. The hospital gown of claim 1, wherein all fasteners are strings.

10. A fifth fastener set corresponding to the first fastener set, the fifth fastener set being disposed below the horizontal midline of the front body, and when the first fastener set and the fifth fastener set are connected, the lower front body edge is raised and the front body is shortened; and a sixth fastener set corresponding to the third fastener set, the sixth fastener set being disposed below the horizontal midline of the back body, and when the third fastener set and the sixth fastener set are connected, the lower back body edge is raised and the back body is shortened; 10. The hospital gown of claim 1, comprising:

11. In hospital gowns, a one-piece front body comprising a single piece of material having a neckline, a front horizontal midline, and a lower front edge, the front horizontal midline being positioned at a patient's waist when the hospital gown is worn; A plurality of fasteners arranged vertically from the neckline to the horizontal midline of the front body; a back panel comprising at least one back panel connected to the front panel, the back panel having a horizontal back midline and a lower back edge, the horizontal back midline being positioned at the patient's waist when the hospital gown is worn; two side seams formed by sewing the piece of material to the back body, at least one of the two side seams having a side seam opening; a first fastener set including at least two fasteners disposed on the front body adjacent the lower front body edge; a second fastener set disposed near a horizontal midline of the front body and corresponding to the first fastener set, wherein when the first fastener set and the second fastener set are connected, the lower front body edge is raised and the front body is shortened independently of the back body; and a third fastener set including at least two fasteners disposed near the lower back body edge; a fourth fastener set disposed near the horizontal midline of the rear body and corresponding to the third fastener set, wherein when the third fastener set and the fourth fastener set are connected, the lower rear body edge is raised and the rear body is shortened independently of the front body; and A hospital gown comprising:

12. 12. The hospital gown of claim 11, further comprising at least one pocket in the upper front panel, the at least one pocket being configured not to stay open or droop.

13. A fow collar; at least one drain opening located beneath the fawl collar; 12. The hospital gown of claim 11 further comprising:

14. A fifth fastener set is disposed on the front body below the horizontal midline of the front body and corresponds to the first fastener set, and when the first fastener set and the fifth fastener set are connected, the lower front body edge is raised and the front body is shortened; and a sixth fastener set disposed on the rear body below the horizontal midline of the rear body and corresponding to the third fastener set, the sixth fastener set raising the lower rear body edge and shortening the rear body when the third fastener set and the sixth fastener set are connected; 12. The hospital gown of claim 11 further comprising:

15. The hospital gown of claim 11, wherein the back and front panels are made from cotton-polyester.

16. In hospital gowns, a front body having a neckline, a front horizontal midline, and a lower front edge, the front body being formed from a separate piece of fabric from the neckline to the front horizontal midline and configured as two overlapping front body panels secured closed, the front horizontal midline being positioned at a patient's waist when the hospital gown is worn; a back section constructed from a single piece of fabric having an adjustable neckline, the back section including fasteners for closing the adjustable neckline at two or more neck circumferences, a horizontal back midline, and a lower back edge, the horizontal back midline being positioned at a patient's waist when the hospital gown is worn; two side seams formed by sewing the two front body panels to the back body, at least one of the two side seams having a side seam opening; a first set of cords disposed on the two front body panels adjacent the lower front body edge; a second string set disposed near the horizontal midline of the front body and corresponding to the first string set, wherein when the first string set and the second string set are connected, the lower front body edge is raised and the front body is shortened independently of the back body; and a third cord set including at least one cord disposed near the lower back body edge; a fourth string set disposed near the horizontal midline of the rear body and corresponding to the third string set, the fourth string set raising the lower rear body edge and shortening the rear body independently of the front body when the third string set and the fourth string set are connected; a strap for fastening the hospital gown around the patient's waist; A hospital gown comprising:

17. The hospital gown of claim 1, wherein the first and second fastener sets are colored to match each other, and the third and fourth fastener sets are colored to match each other.

18. The hospital gown of claim 11, wherein the first and second fastener sets are colored to match each other, and the third and fourth fastener sets are colored to match each other.

19. A hospital gown as described in any of claims 1, 11 and 16, further comprising two petal sleeves.

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