Assessment of Nursing Professionals' Knowledge and Management of Healthcare Waste in a Regional Surgical Center in the Federal District

Objective: To analyze the knowledge of nursing professionals regarding the management and handling of healthcare waste in a regional surgical center in the Federal District. Method: This is an observational, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews as a data collection instrument. Results and Discussion: Results and Discussion: Of a total of 46 professionals (100%), 37 were nursing technicians (80.4%) and 9 were nurses (19.6%), with the technical team representing the majority of the workforce in direct patient care. Most professionals correctly classified the waste, as follows: Group A (89.1%); Group B (76.1%); Group D (89.1%); and Group E (84.3%) - the lowest percentage was observed in Group B – leftover medications and glutaraldehyde. The lack of a trash can for common waste and the same treatment given to waste from clean and infected surgeries resulted in an increase in infectious waste. Research Implications: Despite the technical knowledge of these professionals, there are still structural and operational challenges within the surgical center that directly impact the segregation and proper disposal of these materials. Originality and Value: This study opens avenues for discussing healthcare waste in high-complexity environments, highlighting the relevance of correct segregation and its impact on public health and the environment.