Orthopaedic patient’s perceptions of using a bed pan

SUMMARYThis qualitative study explores the perceptions of orthopaedic patients towards having to use a bed pan. Ten patients were interviewed both before and after either an elective hip or knee replacement. The main findings were that if nurses facilitated a discussion around the use of bed pans some anxiety could be relieved about their use. The research was conducted 15 years ago and the author has re-visited the setting where it was conducted and found that patients continue to be anxious about using bed pans, even though they are now only confined to bed for only 24 h following surgery.