This has to be one of my BIGGEST pet peeves, from way back when I was a CNA. Maybe *technically* they are diapers, but COME ON....how disprespectful can you get? I call them Depends or briefs, it at least maintains SOME dignity for the patient. Especially if they are post op, say, and are having trouble controlling their bowels as function returns to normal, and they've never had to wear them before. It's rude and demeaning.
I read an LPN's narrative charting a few weeks ago, where she actually WROTE the term "diaper." Now it's in that person's chart for all eternity. Great. Aside from the fact that it isn't something that even needs to be PUT in the narrative notes (this LPN is notorious for that, though, but that's a whole other story).
I agree with that! If you listen to the patient, and respect their wishes regaurding the "diapers/briefs", they will feel comfortable no matter the situation.
Specializes in School, LTC, OB, LNC, Instructor, etc.
I decided to approach a company who advertises on the web site after a discussion with one of my clients wives was telling me how she felt ordering 'Diapers'
To a company who sells "DIAPERS", did not put name because I don't know if it appropriate. So here is my letter. I am awaiting a response. I will psot when and if I receive anything. I just thought we need to start making some positive changes.
As a nurse going into my 35th year of practice, I would like to let you know that I was somewhat unnerved by your
BUY DIAPERS.
As Professional who want our patients and residents to have dignity, diapers is an offensive word. Briefs is much more dignified for an older person who has lost the ability to control their body functions. It is not easy for a productive, active, person who may have been anyone from a domestic engineer to a lawyer, or President. I go to many homes, facilities, and other areas, and give them many resources as many other nurse do across the country. I would love to include your company on my resource list for them to buy briefs from you. What has held me back is the word diaper. I can't insult my clients or make them feel like a baby. Briefs are for adults, diapers are for babies. If you would consider changing your wording, I would love to use your company as a reference.
Thank you for listening to me and hopfully making this change.
I think it's very current to this discussion to see all the ads at the top of this page advertising DIAPERS. Why can't they use "Briefs" or "Incontinence products"? Is it because they've been called DIAPERS in the past???
Well big hairy deal!! there have been a lot of changes in the practice of medicine in the past 30 years and this is another thing that needs to change.
Specializes in School, LTC, OB, LNC, Instructor, etc.
I have contacted the companies who advertised Diapers on this web site. I hope they reply but we will see.
Change has to start somewhere and why not here.
If we wait for someone else to do it, nothing will be done.
If any of you want to join and send the companies an email, please join with me and maybe we can keep diapers for babies and briefs or protective clothing for adults. Someday we might be there, i would want to use briefs and NOT DIAPERS!!!
Maybe they call them that because that is what their clientele call them, or market analysis showed that consumers more readily identified and purchased items labeled "adult diapers" as opposed to "pads" or "briefs".
hahahahh this is funny to rant about. The only company I know of that refers to briefs as "diapers", is a company called 'Providers Choice'. They clAim to supply to institutional facilities. I really cannot poke this one with totally with a stick but I do have alot of knowledge in the inco. briefs dept. :-) We even offer some "protection" for clients at our sleep clinics.
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Just did a quick query with my handy sidebar gadget Translator thingy to analyze the boxes we get our adult d------ in. The label is in 3 languages diapers - cullottes - ropa interior. Interestingly, there is a word in French couche that (if the gadget can be trusted) means diaper, and one in Spanish, pañal, that means diaper, yet are not used. What are the deeper cultural implications of this? I don't know.
Doubt it will change anyone's opinion - but being curious about the word origin discovered that if you go back far enough a diaper was a really shiny white repeat geometric or waffle-weave fabric based on embroidered silk and the uneven nature of Byzantine coins. That was a really long time ago, though.
Specializes in School, LTC, OB, LNC, Instructor, etc.
I understand all of your comments but a word of caution from a former state surveyor, Yeah, when everyone yells the "State is Here" and freak out, that was me, use that word Diaper and CMS has issued under the dignity section ,The word Diapers are not to be used, they shall be called Briefs or protective undergarments, and your facility can get a deficiency for it.
Most of my clients are insulted by the word diapers, and it is hard enough for them to acknowledge that they need to use anything. Being incontinent is embarrassing.
Therefore, I will continue on the quest of changing how we use the word.
The New International Webster's Pocket Dictionary of the English Language 2000, ISBN1-888-777-48-6
page 134 Diaper, n, 1. A soft, absorbant cloth or other natural material, folded and placed between a BABY'S legs and fastened around the waist. 2. A repeated, usu, geometric design.
No listing in Taber's Cyclopedic medical dictionary
Providing Home Care, a Textbook for Home Heath Aides, 3rd Edition, 2009, page 230. 3rd paragraph, Some Clients will wear disosable incontinence pads or briefs. These pads keep body wastes away from the skin. Assist the client in changing wet briefs immediately and give perineal care. Never refer to an incontinence brief or pad as a "diaper." Clients are not children and this is disrespectful.
Nursing Assistant Care Textbook 2005 Page 197 Last paragraph on left. Disposable incontinence pads or briefs for adults are available. They keep body wastes away from the skin. Change wet briefs immediatley. Never refer to an incontinence brief or pad as a "diaper." Residents are not children. This is disrespectful.
:nurse:
:confused:This is what is being taught and what is expected when you are working.
:nurse:
LotsofExperience
9 Posts
I want Cherrybreeze to be my nurse when I need long term care!