Tiffany Haney
Bedpans are used by patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility due to injury, illness, or infirmity. The process of using a bedpan can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for patients, so it is important to prioritise their comfort, privacy, and dignity. Before using a bedpan, the patient should be assisted in lying on their back with bent knees and flat feet. If the patient can lift their hips, the bedpan should be slid under their buttocks, and they should gently lower themselves down. If the patient cannot lift their hips, they should be gently rolled onto their side, and the bedpan should be placed against their hips before rolling them back onto the bedpan.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the bedpan
Greet and Explain the Procedure:
Start by greeting the patient and address them by their name. Explain that you are going to assist them in using the bedpan, showing patience and compassion. Assure the patient that you know what to do and will make the experience as comfortable and dignified as possible. Explain each step beforehand to reduce their fear and uncertainty.
Wash Hands and Put on Gloves:
Wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap. Dry your hands completely before putting on gloves, preferably disposable ones. This step ensures proper hygiene and protects both you and the patient.
Provide Privacy:
Give the patient as much privacy as possible throughout the entire procedure. Close the door, draw the curtains, or cover the windows to ensure their privacy. If the patient shares a room, use a curtain or a screen to separate the spaces.
Prepare the Bed:
Lower the bed to the lowest possible position to reduce the risk of injury if the patient falls or needs to be rolled onto their side. Lowering the bed also makes it easier for the patient to adjust their position.
Position the Patient:
Instruct the patient to lie on their back with bent knees and feet flat on the mattress. If the patient is wearing a gown, leave it on if it has an opening in the back; otherwise, lift it above their waist. You can also cover the sheets with a waterproof protector to maintain hygiene.
Place the Bedpan:
Set a clean bedpan directly next to the patient's hips. Ensure the open end of the bedpan is pointing towards the patient's feet. If the patient can lift their hips, you can slide the bedpan under their buttocks and gently guide them to lower themselves onto it.
Warm the Bedpan (Optional):
For added comfort, you can warm the bedpan before use. Fill it with very warm water, let it sit for a few minutes, then dump out the water and dry the bedpan. Alternatively, you can place a few squares of toilet paper or a thin layer of vegetable oil spray in the bottom of the bedpan.
Sprinkle with Talcum Powder (Optional):
If the patient does not have any wounds, cuts, or bedsores, you can sprinkle a thin layer of talcum powder on the edge of the bedpan. This makes it easier to slide the bedpan under the patient and prevents their skin from adhering to the pan.
Remember to maintain a gentle and sensitive approach throughout the process, and always respect the patient's privacy and dignity.
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Preparing the patient
Greet and Explain the Procedure:
Start by greeting the patient and addressing them by their given name. Introduce yourself and provide your name and title. Explain the procedure, showing patience and compassion. Assure the patient that you know what to do and will make the experience as pleasant as possible. Explaining each step beforehand helps to calm the patient and reduce their fear and uncertainty.
Ensure Privacy:
Provide the patient with as much privacy as possible throughout the entire procedure. Close the door and cover the windows with curtains. If the patient shares a room, draw the curtain for separation. If in a semi-private room, consider asking any visiting family to leave.
Prepare the Bed:
Lower the bed as far as possible to reduce the risk of injury if the patient falls during the procedure. Lowering the head of the bed may also make it easier for the patient to turn or lift themselves. Place a waterproof protector on the sheets beneath the patient to prevent soiling.
Position the Patient:
Instruct the patient to lie on their back with bent knees and feet flat on the mattress. If the patient is wearing a gown with an opening in the back, leave it on; otherwise, lift it above their waist. If the patient can sit up and lift their hips, ask them to do so, or ask for assistance if available. If the patient cannot lift their hips, help them turn gently onto their side.
Place the Bedpan:
Slide the bedpan next to the patient's hips, ensuring the open end is towards the patient's feet. Positioning the bedpan close beforehand reduces strain on the patient. If using a hospital bed, raise the head of the bed to a semi-upright position. For non-hospital beds, use pillows to raise the patient's upper body.
Finalize the Setup:
Gently instruct the patient to ease their buttocks down onto the bedpan, ensuring the bedpan is held in place. If the patient is on their side, roll them onto the bedpan and back towards you. Make sure the buttocks are firm against the bedpan. Place toilet paper or wipes within reach.
Remember to maintain the patient's dignity and provide emotional sensitivity throughout the process. Always offer assistance with wiping and clean-up if necessary.
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Positioning the bed
Lower the bed: To begin, lower the bed as far as possible to minimise the risk of injury if the patient falls during the procedure. Lowering the bed also makes it easier for the patient to turn or adjust their position. This is especially important if the patient has limited mobility or is bedridden.
Adjust the head of the bed: The head of the bed should be lowered initially to facilitate easier movement for the patient. If the patient is in a hospital bed, raise the head of the bed after the patient is positioned on their side to bring them into a semi-upright or natural toileting position. This positioning aids in the bedpan placement and aligns with proper ergonomic principles to prevent back injuries for caregivers.
Ensure patient comfort: Place pillows under the patient's back and shoulders if they are not in a hospital bed to elevate them as much as possible. This adjustment helps achieve a semi-upright position, similar to a natural toileting posture. Additionally, ensure the patient's gown is appropriately adjusted for ease of access and privacy.
Maintain privacy: Throughout the procedure, prioritise the patient's privacy. Close the door, draw the curtains, and, if applicable, separate the patient from others in the room using a curtain. Maintain the patient's dignity by explaining each step and providing emotional sensitivity and compassion.
By following these steps for positioning the bed, caregivers can ensure that the patient is comfortable, safe, and dignified during the bedpan procedure. These instructions also help caregivers provide physical and emotional support to patients who may be experiencing embarrassment or discomfort.
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Placing the bedpan
To place the bedpan, first, ensure the patient is lying on their back with bent knees and feet flat on the mattress. If the patient is wearing a gown with no opening in the back, lift it above their waist and pull back the top sheet or blanket. Place the clean bedpan directly next to the patient's hips, with the open end pointing towards the patient's feet. If the patient can lift their hips, slide the bedpan under their buttocks and gently instruct them to lower themselves onto it. If the patient cannot lift their hips, gently roll them onto their side, being careful not to roll too far, and place the bedpan against their hips. Then, help the patient roll back onto the bedpan and towards you.
Once the patient is positioned on the bedpan, ensure they are in a comfortable, semi-upright position. If using a hospital bed, raise the head of the bed. If the patient is not in a hospital bed, place pillows under their back and shoulders to raise them up. Provide the patient with toilet tissue if they are able to use it. Respect the patient's privacy by stepping away and drawing the curtains unless the patient requests otherwise.
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Maintaining privacy and dignity
Bedpans are a useful medical tool, but they can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort for patients. Maintaining a patient's privacy and dignity is paramount when assisting them with bedpans. Here are some ways to ensure this:
Provide privacy:
- Close the door and cover the windows with curtains.
- If the patient shares a room, draw the curtain to separate the beds.
- Use a privacy blanket or sheet to protect the top sheet and the patient's legs.
- If the patient is in a semi-private room, ask any visiting family or friends to leave the room.
- Respect the patient's privacy by stepping out of the room and giving them space during and after the procedure.
Explain the procedure:
- Greet the patient and introduce yourself.
- Explain the process and what you are about to do.
- Show patience and compassion, as this can be an uncomfortable situation.
- Assure the patient that you know what you are doing and will make the experience as pleasant as possible.
- Explain each step before you do it to help calm the patient and reduce their fear and uncertainty.
Respect personal autonomy:
- Allow the patient to maintain as much independence as possible.
- If the patient can lift their hips, slide the bedpan under their buttocks and instruct them to ease down.
- Place the bedpan within reach and let the patient know they can call for assistance when needed.
Maintain dignity:
- Address the patient by their name and use respectful language.
- Avoid any embarrassing or humiliating comments or attitudes.
- Ensure the bedpan is adequately positioned to avoid soiling linens, as this can cause embarrassment.
- Provide a comfortable and clean environment, and offer sanitary wipes and hand sanitizer for the patient's comfort and hygiene.
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Frequently asked questions
Bedpans are used by patients who are bedridden and unable to get up to go to the bathroom. If the patient can lift their hips, the bedpan should be slid under their buttocks and the patient should gently be instructed to ease their buttocks down onto the bedpan. If the patient cannot lift their hips, they should be gently rolled onto their side, with the bedpan placed against their hips, and then rolled back onto the bedpan.
First, the patient should be greeted and informed that they will be helped with a bedpan. The caregiver should then wash their hands and put on gloves. The patient should be given as much privacy as possible. If the patient is wearing a gown with an opening in the back, it should be left on, otherwise, it should be lifted above their waist. The bed should be lowered to reduce the risk of injury if the patient falls. The patient should then be instructed to lie on their back with bent knees and feet flat on the mattress. The bedpan should be placed next to the patient's hips and slid under their buttocks. If the patient cannot lift their hips, they should be helped to turn onto their side and the bedpan placed against their hips before they are rolled back onto the bedpan. Once the patient is in position, they should be given toilet paper and privacy.
Bedpan use can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort for patients, so it is important to be physically gentle and emotionally sensitive. Explaining the procedure to the patient beforehand can help to reduce their fear and uncertainty. The bedpan should be cleaned and warmed before use, and a thin layer of talcum powder can be sifted over the edge to make it easier to slide the bedpan under the patient (unless the patient has open wounds).
