Garment design and engineering for hospital use

Abstract

Garments used in hospitals play an important role in user’s comfort and health. This paper presents the developments of a patented design technology for medical garments aimed at users, caregivers, and health care providers. Traditional gowns lacking comfort and protection affect the patient’s dignity. Similarly, patients often use their own garments, which are not designed to provide the best comfort and protection if sensing capacity is affected. Additionally, they can interfere with caregivers’ daily tasks. The proposed pajamas consider these needs and allow an effective interaction between patient and caregiver without compromising the person’s self-esteem. The selection of functional textile fibers and the use of seamless production processes allow the design of products advantageous in the prevention of wounds and pressure ulcers, as pressure points are reduced and the micro-climate of the skin is managed in a more effective way, enhancing the levels of sensorial, physiological and ergonomic comfort.