Isolation gowns have become a ubiquitous part of our lives since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. These gowns are primarily worn for preventing the spread of infections among healthcare professionals and patients. In this regard, isolation gowns have become an essential component of the personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by medical staff. Interestingly, most isolation gowns come in a distinct yellow color, but why is that the case?
The color of the isolation gown is significant in various ways. The particular shade chosen is part of a carefully thought-out system that plays a vital role in protecting the individuals who wear them. So, why are isolation gowns yellow?
Firstly, yellow is a highly visible color that is used to promote safety. This color is incredibly bright, which makes it easy for healthcare professionals to spot contamination and check if they have any dirt or stains on their gowns. The vivid color also helps medical staff to identify each other easily, even in a busy setting. Medical professionals tend to coordinate their PPE; therefore, wearing a particular color like yellow could enhance teamwork and collaboration, which is vital in a hospital setting.
Secondly, the yellow color is used to indicate the level of protection provided by the gown. The isolation gown’s color is often determined by the material it’s made from, and thus, differentiating the level of protection it provides. For instance, yellow disposable gowns that are light in weight and provide low protection are often yellow. On the other hand, gowns that offer higher protection, such as those made out of thicker materials, are usually blue. Blue is associated with sterile materials, and it’s often used to indicate that the gown is resistant to fluid and liquid spray.
Thirdly, yellow is a color that can help keep patients calm and relaxed. Doctors and medical staff should always aim to make their patients feel as comfortable as possible. Therefore, wearing a non-threatening color like yellow could be an excellent way to establish a warm and friendly atmosphere. Hospitals can be an incredibly overwhelming place, so any small gestures that help make the environment feel less stressful are appreciated.
Additionally, the color yellow has some psychological benefits to medical staff. Color psychology suggests that yellow is associated with happiness, positivity, and warmth. Therefore, wearing yellow could help boost the mood of healthcare professionals as they conduct their work. During the pandemic, when healthcare professionals are dealing with an incredible amount of stress and anxiety, wearing a color known for its positivity could have a significant impact.
Moreover, the choice of color in isolation gowns is not only essential for the functionality of the gown but also for the branding and marketing of the hospital. Yellow is often seen as a bright and happy color- a color that radiates positivity which is vital for promoting the hospital’s image. Many hospitals use the color yellow in their logos or branding materials, including brochures and marketing collateral. Wearing yellow could be an excellent way to align with the hospital’s visual language.
Isolations gowns provide a critical role in protecting medical professionals and patients during pandemics. The color yellow is commonly used to signify the level of protection of the gown, to enhance teamwork and collaboration, anthurium helps medical staff to spot contamination, checks for stains, and keeps patients calm. Additionally, the psychological benefits of yellow and its branding purposes add to the rationale of using this bright and cheery color in isolation gowns. All in all, the color chosen for the gown may have a critical impact, both on the medical staff and the patients’ health and in promoting the hospital’s visual identity.
