The reality of patient bodily waste management: Nurse perceptions of current practice & staff safety

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate nurse knowledge about the risks of exposure to patient bodily waste, nurse perceptions about procedures and reporting, and current levels of satisfaction with how risks of exposure to patient waste are managed. Patient bodily waste management impacts healthcare workers and healthcare organizations. For nurses and other healthcare workers, the risk of exposure to pathogens can have adverse health effects, increase stress, and reduce satisfaction with their job, potentially leading to issues related to retention. Evidence suggests that proper training and using devices to reduce exposure risks and improve shorter bedside toileting, may reduce stress, and improve work satisfaction. Reducing risk of increased healthcare associated infections of patients and healthcare workers may have a positive impact on the organization with reduced cost of care.Methods: A survey focused on nurses’ knowledge about their risk of exposure, nurse understanding of procedures and incident reporting, and morale and satisfaction with their job was conducted. Results. The findings suggest that there were conflicting responses related to the acknowledgement of risk, reporting incidents, and the use of personal protective equipment.Results: The findings suggest that there were conflicting responses related to the acknowledgement of risk, reporting incidents, and the use of personal protective equipment.Conclusions: Organizations benefit from addressing these concerns to improve morale and satisfaction, nurse retention, healthcare worker dignity, and the quality of patient care.