Team Members & Role:

• Henry Hiles: Team Leader
• Hiral Patel: Design Lead
• Kadri Williams: Analysis Lead
• Khush Poddar: Fabrication Lead
• Jacob Adams: Evaluation Lead

Abstract:
The current modern bedpan design has not experienced significant innovation and has remained the same for centuries as the solution to the problem of eliminating waste for bedridden patients. The bedpan accomplished its intended purpose, although nurses and patients commonly describe its usage as arduous. Patients often describe the bedpan as uncomfortable, painful, cold, and unhygienic; the nurses typically experience difficulties removing a traditional bedpan without soiling the bed, especially for patients who are obese or have limited movement. It is the goal of the project, sponsored by the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation, to redesign the previous bedpan. The new design will have a larger capacity and a removable cushioned seat, while keeping the same rounded shape as the previous design, thus increasing work efficiency, and reducing pressure-related injuries. The bedpan developed provides a hygienic and efficient workflow for nurses by decreasing spillage while keeping a shape that minimizes the strain of assisting patients using the bedpan. For the patients, the design incorporates a cushion made of water-resistant cotton fabric and high-density foam to enable safe, hygienic, and comfortable use to help in reducing skin injuries related to pressure.