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Design Bugs Out: Commode

Robust, functional and easy to clean, the commode minimises the risk of infection without compromising the patient’s dignity.

The challenge

The key challenges in the delivery of a new commode are to:

• Improve patient comfort and toileting function
• Maximise cleanability and protection against HCAIs.

Most current commodes are not designed with the need for cleanability and reduced exposure to HCAIs in mind.

Many are the result of iterative developments and attempts to serve additional functions such as a porter’s chair, a sani-chair and in some instances even a shower chair.

These multiple functions undermine cleanability by increasing the number of parts and creating hard-to-clean junctions.

The ergonomics of current commodes also tend to serve functional purposes only and overlook patient comfort. This, combined with their sterile and equipment-like appearance, makes commodes an awkward and uneasy experience for users.

The challenge lies in creating a commode that is easy and quick to clean, and also improves the user experience.

Design solution

The new commode has to be functional, safe and better to use. A key goal was to minimise the number of parts, making cleaning quicker and easier. This meant designing out all unnecessary touchpoints, joints between metal and plastic, sharp corners, grooves and hidden nooks and crannies.

The commode is designed for bedside use, and as a portering chair to take patients to the toilet, where it can be wheeled over a static toilet.

Damaged components can be easily replaced without having to dispose of or recondition the whole product.

Design: PearsonLloyd

Manufacture: Kirton Healthcare

The result

A new commode with two key parts: the ‘shell’ which forms the ‘patient interface’ and the ‘frame’ which delivers the mechanical performance of the product, such as mobility.

Design concept

• One smooth, continuous patient interface that can be quickly detached and cleaned

• A shell and frame that can be stacked or nested for easy storage

• Modular and interchangeable parts for easy maintenance

• A ‘top-loading’ bedpan (i.e. not mounted on the underside) to avoid waste being splashed onto the underside of the commode – thereby containing any spread within the bed pan

• An adjustable arm to allow patients to slide across onto the seat

• Fewer ‘touchpoints’ to minimise unnecessary contact and cross infection between the patient and the commode

• Lower seat height and formed seat pan for better patient comfort

• A design language similar to furniture for a more welcoming experience

Technical innovation

• Plastic with an integral finish which avoids the need for paint finishes or lacquers that can scratch

• Stainless steel frame for robustness and cleaner, stronger welds.

You can see a video showing the design process for the Commode and the Patient Chair here.

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