Assessment of perceived patient comfort and ease of bedpan handling by caregivers, a cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

IntroductionSince its creation in the 18th century, bedpan has remained more or less the same. Its unique material composition varies from one model to another, but its shape remains relatively similar. The environment is one of the four pillars of the nursing paradigm. It is therefore essential to question this device in the nursing discipline.AimTo assess perceived patient comfort and ease of bedpan handling by nurses and their assistants.MethodA cross-sectional survey via an online questionnaire was conducted among nurses and nursing assistants, nursing students, and health executives using the bedpan for their patients to assess their feelings and their level of satisfaction. The questionnaire asks professionals about the ease of handling the bedpan and the patient's perceived comfort.Results431 responses were obtained out of 3007 persons interviewed (14.3%). 83.0% believe that the cause of poor elimination by the patient is often or very often due to physical discomfort on the bedpan. 62.6% find the installation of the bedpan rather tough or very difficult. 59.2% find the removal of the bedpan rather tough or very difficult.DiscussionOur study confirms our hypothesis and highlights a lack of comfort in the bedpan as perceived by professionals. This analysis is the first step in enabling the nurse researcher to support change in the transformation paradigm.