(322) Preceptor Perceptions of Professional Appearance

Objective : To examine preceptor perceptions regarding professional appearance (PA) and potential impact on employment.

Methods: Preceptors nationwide were asked to complete a voluntary online 50-item survey focusing on how student pharmacists’ PA may impact first impression perceptions, including dress code policy adherence and the hiring process. Most questions utilized Likert-scale responses. Additionally, three open-ended questions asked preceptors to provide thoughts on PA for pharmacy professionals. Responses were analyzed descriptively with frequencies and percentages. The open-ended questions were analyzed through a thematic analysis process with four researchers utilizing individual open coding and category formation, followed by group discussion to identify consensus themes.

Results: 286 preceptors (25%) across the U.S. completed the survey. When asked if they would hire a pharmacist, student intern, or tech that has visible tattoos, ear gauges, facial or neck piercings, unkempt hair or facial hair, or unnatural hair color, 27.2% (n=75) said they would, 14.9% (n=41) said they would not, and 58.0% (n=160) said it depends. 68.8% of preceptors felt comfortable speaking with a student about a violation of dress code or PA policy, 28.8% were unsure, and 2.5 % were not comfortable. A variety of reasons were given to support their opinions, such as the changing times for acceptance, degree of body modifications, and appearance shouldn’t matter if other qualifications are met.

Conclusions: In society, there is a trend toward less conservative appearances. The PA of health care professionals has traditionally remained conservative, but in recent years this has been tested by the desire for personal expression. Pharmacist preceptor perceptions regarding what is considered professional varies and is important for pharmacy schools to understand as we guide students in their professional development.