Jump to content

Bedpan: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
reuse citations
Line 14: Line 14:
The word bedpan was first seen in the literature of [[John Higgins (poet)|John Higgins]] in 1572,<ref>{{Cite web |title=bedpan, n. meanings, etymology and more {{!}} Oxford English Dictionary |url=https://www.oed.com/dictionary/bedpan_n?tab=factsheet&tl=true |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=www.oed.com}}</ref> and one of the oldest known bedpans is on display in the [[Science Museum, London|Science Museum of London.]] It is a green, glazed [[earthenware]] bedpan that has been dated to the 16<sup>th</sup> or 17<sup>th</sup> century. At that time, bedpans were made from materials including [[pewter]], [[brass]], [[pottery]], [[glass]], and [[porcelain]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Senior |first=Rob |date=2021-02-17 |title=The Bedpan and its Significance |url=https://www.myamericannurse.com/bedpan-and-social-justice-during-pandemic/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=American Nurse |language=en-US}}</ref>
The word bedpan was first seen in the literature of [[John Higgins (poet)|John Higgins]] in 1572,<ref>{{Cite web |title=bedpan, n. meanings, etymology and more {{!}} Oxford English Dictionary |url=https://www.oed.com/dictionary/bedpan_n?tab=factsheet&tl=true |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=www.oed.com}}</ref> and one of the oldest known bedpans is on display in the [[Science Museum, London|Science Museum of London.]] It is a green, glazed [[earthenware]] bedpan that has been dated to the 16<sup>th</sup> or 17<sup>th</sup> century. At that time, bedpans were made from materials including [[pewter]], [[brass]], [[pottery]], [[glass]], and [[porcelain]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Senior |first=Rob |date=2021-02-17 |title=The Bedpan and its Significance |url=https://www.myamericannurse.com/bedpan-and-social-justice-during-pandemic/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=American Nurse |language=en-US}}</ref>


Bedpans were not commonplace in hospitals until the late 1800s. [[Florence Nightingale|Florence Nightingale,]] who worked as a nurse in the UK from the mid to late 1800s, diagramed death rates and causes for soldiers in military hospitals during the [[Crimean War]] and then correlated them to corresponding sanitization procedures. As a result, Florence proposed several methods to improve the sanitary conditions in both military and civilian hospitals, including the addition of bedpans to reduce infection exposure from urine or feces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-10 |title=Florence Nightingale understood the power of visualizing science |url=https://www.sciencenews.org/article/florence-nightingale-birthday-power-visualizing-science |access-date=2023-07-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>[[Image:Image-Oval-steel.jpg|Oval stainless steel pan|thumb]]
Bedpans were not commonplace in hospitals until the late 1800s. [[Florence Nightingale|Florence Nightingale,]] who worked as a nurse in the United Kingdom from the mid to late 1800s, diagramed death rates and causes for soldiers in military hospitals during the [[Crimean War]] and then correlated them to corresponding sanitization procedures. As a result, Nightingale proposed several methods to improve the sanitary conditions in both military and civilian hospitals, including the addition of bedpans in order to reduce infection exposure from urine or feces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-10 |title=Florence Nightingale understood the power of visualizing science |url=https://www.sciencenews.org/article/florence-nightingale-birthday-power-visualizing-science |access-date=2023-07-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>[[Image:Image-Oval-steel.jpg|Oval stainless steel pan|thumb]]


In the 20th century, bedpans were made of [[ceramic]], [[enamel]], or [[stainless steel]], and after the 1960s, bedpan materials expanded to include plastics and disposable substances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bedpans |url=https://www.aahn.org/bedpans |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=www.aahn.org}}</ref> Today, most bedpans are made of stainless steel, [[plastic]], or [[Disposable product|disposable]] materials. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, but may be cold, hard, and uncomfortable to use. Since the 1960s, disposable bedpans or single-use bedpan liners, made from either recycled wood pulp or biodegradable plastics, have become more popular.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Gold Years |date=2022-10-27 |title=Bed Pans: Why They're Useful and How to Pick Yours |url=https://goldyears.co/bed-pans-why-theyre-useful-and-how-to-pick-yours/ |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=Gold Years |language=en-US}}</ref> The first patent for the disposable bedpan liner {{US patent|3962732|US3962732}} was patented in the United States in the 1970s and relied mainly on wood pulp products as the primary material.
In the 20th century, bedpans were made of [[ceramic]], [[enamel]], or [[stainless steel]], and after the 1960s, bedpan materials expanded to include plastics and disposable substances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bedpans |url=https://www.aahn.org/bedpans |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=www.aahn.org}}</ref> Today, most bedpans are made of stainless steel, [[plastic]], or [[Disposable product|disposable]] materials. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, but may be cold, hard, and uncomfortable to use. Since the 1960s, disposable bedpans or single-use bedpan liners, made from either recycled wood pulp or biodegradable plastics, have become more popular.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Gold Years |date=2022-10-27 |title=Bed Pans: Why They're Useful and How to Pick Yours |url=https://goldyears.co/bed-pans-why-theyre-useful-and-how-to-pick-yours/ |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=Gold Years |language=en-US}}</ref> The first patent for the disposable bedpan liner {{US patent|3962732|US3962732}} was patented in the United States in the 1970s and relied mainly on wood pulp products as the primary material.

Revision as of 22:25, 1 August 2023

This article is about an item of medical equipment. For the Bedford to London St Pancras railway line known colloquially as the "Bedpan service", see Thameslink.
Different Types of Bedpans

A bedpan or bed pan is a device used as a receptacle for the urine and/or feces of a person who is confined to a bed and therefore not able to use a toilet or chamber pot.

Bedpans can be either reusable or disposable and include several different types. Reusable bedpans must be emptied, cleaned, and sanitized after each use and allow for urination or defecation while either sitting or lying in bed, as they are placed beneath the buttocks for use. Disposable Bedpans are made of recycled and/or biodegradable materials and are disposed of after each use. Disposable bedpans or liners rest inside a reusable bedpan, which is needed to support the person’s weight during use.

Regular bedpans look similar to a toilet seat and bowl combined and have the largest capacity. Fracture or Slipper bedpans are smaller than standard size bedpans and have one flat end. These bedpans are designed specifically for people who have had a hip fracture or are recovering from a hip replacement. This type of bedpan may be used for those who cannot raise their hips high enough or roll over onto a regular-size bedpan.[1] Bedpans have a weight limit, which is different depending on the material and style of the bedpan. For people who are over those weight limits, a bariatric bedpan can be used.[2]

Bedpans differ from chamber pots in both size and function. Chamber pots are larger and usually have handles and a lid. A bedpan is smaller since it is placed in the bed and positioned under the person for use. Bedpans can have lids, but most do not, as they are immediately emptied or disposed of after use.[3] Bedpans have a long single handle that can double as a spout, either for urine entry or for emptying after use.[4]

History

Green glazed earthenware bedpan from the 16th or 17th century
Disposable Pulp Bedpan Liner

The word bedpan was first seen in the literature of John Higgins in 1572,[5] and one of the oldest known bedpans is on display in the Science Museum of London. It is a green, glazed earthenware bedpan that has been dated to the 16th or 17th century. At that time, bedpans were made from materials including pewter, brass, pottery, glass, and porcelain.[6]

Bedpans were not commonplace in hospitals until the late 1800s. Florence Nightingale, who worked as a nurse in the United Kingdom from the mid to late 1800s, diagramed death rates and causes for soldiers in military hospitals during the Crimean War and then correlated them to corresponding sanitization procedures. As a result, Nightingale proposed several methods to improve the sanitary conditions in both military and civilian hospitals, including the addition of bedpans in order to reduce infection exposure from urine or feces.[7]

Oval stainless steel pan

In the 20th century, bedpans were made of ceramic, enamel, or stainless steel, and after the 1960s, bedpan materials expanded to include plastics and disposable substances.[8] Today, most bedpans are made of stainless steel, plastic, or disposable materials. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean, but may be cold, hard, and uncomfortable to use. Since the 1960s, disposable bedpans or single-use bedpan liners, made from either recycled wood pulp or biodegradable plastics, have become more popular.[2] The first patent for the disposable bedpan liner US3962732 was patented in the United States in the 1970s and relied mainly on wood pulp products as the primary material.

In particular, after the introduction and implementation of the Health Technical Memorandum in 2007 within the United Kingdom, now renamed Health Technical Memorandum 2030, it became mandatory to sterilize hospital equipment using an autoclave, also known as a steam sterilizer or macerator.[9] This jumpstarted the switch from stainless steel bedpans to pulp-made bedpans within the U.K. since the overall cost of using a macerator outweighs disposing of pulp materials. The Disposable bedpan options can prevent the spread of infectious diseases by lowering the risk of contamination during the handling and disposal of the excretions.[10]

Use and Indication

Bedpans are used for toileting for those confined to beds and may be used in a hospital, nursing facility, or at home. There are many reasons someone may be confined to bed, necessitating the use of bedpans. These include permanent or long-term disease states with limited mobility such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, or dementia. Additionally, individuals may be confined to bed temporarily as a result of a short-term illness, injury or surgery.[11]

Current nursing guidance suggests that bedpans are indicated for immobile patients with the following concerns: Fractures, such as hip or lower extremities, profound fatigue, major surgeries, high fall risk, increased injury potential, and obstetrical.[11]

Some downsides to using bedpans include the risk of pressure ulcers, lack of privacy, and the potential to spread infection. Pressure ulcers can be caused by prolonged use and the supporting areas of the bedpan being too small. In order to reduce this risk, ergonomic bedpans have been developed, which support the person with a larger area of less-conductive plastic. There are also designs that completely cover the genitalia during use, offering protection and provides an extra measure of privacy. Some of these ergonomic designs require material that is more difficult to sterilize and may become a reservoir for microorganisms, so there have been improvements in cleaning and sterilization to combat this.

Cleaning, sterilization and infection control

Managing proper hygiene and the cleaning of bedpans for bedridden individuals is important to reduce the risk of infection. Used bedpans contain bodily fluids and waste and can either be reused through disinfection or disposed of.[12]

Sterilization and disinfection procedures for medical devices are established based on the device category. There are three categories of medical device types, which are generally agreed upon by international governing bodies, including the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These categories are Critical Use, Semi-Critical Use, and Non-Critical Use. Bedpans are considered Non-Critical use, meaning the recommendation for cleaning is a low or intermediate level disinfectant.[13]

Washer disinfectors have been used more recently for reusable bedpans rather than disinfectants due to the risk of cross-contamination with SARS-CoV2. Washer disinfectors are instruments used to disinfect used bedpans at high temperatures of at least 80ºC to 85ºC.[14][15]

As mentioned previously, bedpans commonly come in stainless steel because of their durability and ease of cleaning. Compared to other metals like copper, steel does not have an inherent ability to disinfect. Copper has had some antimicrobial indications dating back to the 19th century, as some copper workers appeared immune to cholera outbreaks, or used copper to treat infections or infectious complications.[16]

Using stainless steel or plastic reusable bedpans poses a risk of spreading infection through caregivers and the environment.[17] There are alternative methods of disposal to ensure that infection spread is under control, such as bedpan washer disinfector machines and disposable bedpans.

Disinfector machines have been shown to be efficacious against common infections such as C. difficile spores and E. coli when following instructions, which is an alternative to disposable bedpan waste management.[14][15][18] However, it is important to note that not all countries have this technology and may use other methods of disinfecting for reusable bedpans or opt in for disposable bedpans.

Global usage of bedpans

The use of bedpans varies greatly among countries based on social/cultural norms, resources available, and infection control priorities.[19]

Alternatives

For individuals who are bedridden or have trouble with urinary incontinence, urinary catheters can get rid of fluid waste; however, fecal matter may still require the use of a bedpan or other instruments. Indwelling urinary catheters are catheters that can be used for years and, akin to bedpans, come either as a one-time use drainage bag or a leg bag that can be cleaned or reused.[20] A common complication of long-term catheter usage is asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Portable urinals, or urinal bottles, are common instruments used by not only those who are bedridden, but also those en route to get rid of liquid waste. The use of portable urinals has a long history, dating all the way back to the French Renaissance in the 16th century, when surgeons developed the urinals to manage male urinary incontinence.[21] Female urinals do exist; however, their ease of use may be less compared to male urinals since they require a wider opening and can lead to spillage, especially for bedridden individuals, for whom a bedpan would be better suited.[22]

Mobile shower commodes are types of sturdy portable toilets that can be used outside the bed by individuals. For those with spinal cord injuries, shower commodes are a common part of assistive technology to help with bowel movements and bathing routines. Some concerns with shower commodes include long and frequent usage being associated with skin breakdown and the development of pressure ulcers, but more studies need to be conducted to address safety concerns.[23]

Old age and multiple comorbidities increase the risk of adults to develop urinary incontinence. Absorbent products are designed specifically to absorb/contain urine, and some are even reusable.[24] There are various designs of absorbent products, and some may be better suited for individuals depending on their level of incontinence. Pantyliners, pads, and guards for men help to manage light to moderate incontinence, whereas undergarments, protective underwear, and adult diapers help to manage moderate to heavy incontinence.[24] Choosing which product to use depends on many factors, such as gender, cost, and level of dependence on absorbent products; but all products have an absorbent lining that prevents leakage and odor.[24]

See also

References

  1. ^ Bunker Rosdahl, Caroline; Kowalski, Mary T. (2008). Textbook of basic nursing (9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 648. ISBN 978-0781765213. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  2. ^ a b Staff, Gold Years (2022-10-27). "Bed Pans: Why They're Useful and How to Pick Yours". Gold Years. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  3. ^ Oatman-Stanford, Hunter. "World's Foremost Bedpan Collector Celebrates Objects Most People Pooh-Pooh". Collectors Weekly. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  4. ^ "Bed pan, England, 1501-1700 | Science Museum Group Collection". collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  5. ^ "bedpan, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary". www.oed.com. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  6. ^ Senior, Rob (2021-02-17). "The Bedpan and its Significance". American Nurse. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  7. ^ "Florence Nightingale understood the power of visualizing science". 2020-05-10. Retrieved 2023-07-27.
  8. ^ "Bedpans". www.aahn.org. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  9. ^ Department of Health Estates & Facilities Division (2007). Health Technical Memorandum 01-01: Decontamination of reusable medical devices - Part A (Management and environment) (Revised ed.). Stationery Office Books. ISBN 9780113227983.
  10. ^ Gibson GL (December 1973). "A disposable bedpan system using an improved disposal unit and self-supporting bedpans". Journal of Clinical Pathology. 26 (12): 925–928. doi:10.1136/jcp.26.12.925. PMC 477932. PMID 4784500.
  11. ^ a b Toney-Butler, Tammy J.; Gaston, Gwendolyn (2023), "Nursing Bedpan Management", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 29763153, retrieved 2023-07-26
  12. ^ "Environmental Cleaning Procedures | Environmental Cleaning in Global Healthcare Settings | HAI | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2023-05-04. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  13. ^ Rowan NJ, Kremer T, McDonnell G (June 2023). "A review of Spaulding's classification system for effective cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of reusable medical devices: Viewed through a modern-day lens that will inform and enable future sustainability". The Science of the Total Environment. 878: 162976. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162976. PMID 36963674.
  14. ^ a b Hallam C, Denton A, Thirkell G (December 2020). "COVID-19: considerations for the safe management and disposal of human excreta". Infection Prevention in Practice. 2 (4): 100085. doi:10.1016/j.infpip.2020.100085. PMC 7443054. PMID 34316567.
  15. ^ a b Alfa, Michelle J.; Olson, Nancy; Buelow-Smith, Louise; Murray, Brenda-Lee (2013). "Alkaline detergent combined with a routine ward bedpan washer disinfector cycle eradicates Clostridium difficile spores from the surface of plastic bedpans". American Journal of Infection Control. 41 (4): 381–383. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2012.04.326.
  16. ^ Grass G, Rensing C, Solioz M (March 2011). "Metallic copper as an antimicrobial surface". Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 77 (5): 1541–1547. doi:10.1128/AEM.02766-10. PMC 3067274. PMID 21193661.
  17. ^ Apple, Michael (July 2016). "Toward a Safer and Cleaner Way: Dealing With Human Waste in Healthcare". HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal. 9 (4): 26–34. doi:10.1177/1937586715619739. ISSN 1937-5867.
  18. ^ Hatt, Savannah; Schindler, Bryan; Bach, Diana; Greene, Christine (2020-07-01). "Washer disinfector and alkaline detergent efficacy against C. difficile on plastic bedpans". American Journal of Infection Control. 48 (7): 761–764. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2019.11.028. ISSN 0196-6553.
  19. ^ Popp, Walter; Zorigt, Khand; Borg, Michael Angelo; Zerafa, Simeone; Khamis, Nagwa; Damani, Nizam; Sowande, Abimbola; Friedman, Candice; Goldman, Carol; Lieske, Tim; Lee, Terrie; Richards, Judith (2015). "Global practices related to handling of faeces and urine in hospitals - results of an International Federation of Infection Control (IFIC) survey". International Journal of Infection Control. 11 (1). doi:10.3396/IJIC.v11i1.004.15.
  20. ^ Wilde, Mary H.; Fader, Mandy; Ostaszkiewicz, Joan; Prieto, Jacqui; Moore, Katherine (2013). "Urinary Bag Decontamination for Long-term Use: A Systematic Review". Journal of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing. 40 (3): 299–308. doi:10.1097/WON.0b013e3182800305. ISSN 1071-5754.
  21. ^ Chong, Julio T.; Simma-Chiang, Vannita (2017). "A historical perspective and evolution of the treatment of male urinary incontinence". Neurourology and Urodynamics. 37 (3): 1169–1175. doi:10.1002/nau.23429.
  22. ^ Harman, Robin J., ed. (2002). Patient care in community practice: a handbook of non-medicinal healthcare (2nd ed.). London: Pharmaceutical Press. pp. 46–47. ISBN 978-0-85369-450-2.
  23. ^ Friesen, Emma; Theodoros, Deborah; Russell, Trevor (2013). "Clinical assessment, design and performance testing of mobile shower commodes for adults with spinal cord injury: an exploratory review". Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. 8 (4): 267–274. doi:10.3109/17483107.2012.704656. ISSN 1748-3107.
  24. ^ a b c Newman, Diane K.; Fader, Mandy; Bliss, Donna Z. (2004). "Managing Incontinence Using Technology, Devices, and Products". Nursing Research. 53 (Supplement): S42–S48. doi:10.1097/00006199-200411006-00007. ISSN 0029-6562.

Media related to Bedpans at Wikimedia Commons

Stub icon

This medical treatment–related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bedpan&oldid=1168286552"