Empowering Healthcare Workers: Advancing Sustainable Biomedical Waste Management at Meenakshi Mission Hospital

Effective biomedical waste management (BMWM) is critical for both healthcare worker safety and environmental protection.(1) This study evaluates the impact of a training program on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Emergency Medicine department at Meenakshi Mission Hospital, Madurai. Using a pre-test and post-test approach, we assessed changes in BMWM practices and found significant improvements in waste segregation, disposal compliance, and regulatory knowledge.(2,3) The results underscore the importance of continuous education and adherence to sustainable waste management practices in healthcare. INTRODUCTION: Biomedical waste poses significant health risks when not properly managed.(1) This study aims to enhance HCWs’ knowledge and practices regarding BMWM through a targeted training program, focusing on improving waste segregation, disposal, and regulatory compliance.(4,5) OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate HCWs understanding of BMWM practices before and after a structured training program. The objectives included assessing knowledge gaps, examining attitudes toward waste disposal, and identifying the effectiveness of the training in improving BMWM practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at Meenakshi Mission Hospital, where a pre-test assessed baseline BMWM knowledge and practices. After a training session, a post-test was conducted to measure the improvement. Key parameters like waste segregation, disposal protocols, and regulatory knowledge were evaluated. RESULTS: The pre- and post-test analysis revealed significant improvements in the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to biomedical waste management (BMWM) among healthcare workers (HCWs) following the training program. Prior to the training, 77% of HCWs were using the appropriate bins for human tissue disposal, while after the training, this increased to 98%. Knowledge of the correct usage of red bins for autoclaving was at 48% in the pre-test but rose to 91% post-training. The disposal of sharps improved from 54% to 98%, demonstrating a significant enhancement in safety practices. Additionally, awareness of BMWM regulations increased from 75% before the training to 92% afterward. Recycling practices for patient case files also saw an improvement, with correct recycling rising from 64% in the pre-test to 96% in the post-test. Overall, 99% of participants found the training beneficial and expressed interest in passing on the knowledge, highlighting the training's positive impact. DISCUSSIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Our findings align with similar studies, showing that training improves BMWM practices, especially among younger and nursing staff.(1) However, older HCWs showed lower baseline knowledge, indicating a need for targeted interventions. The training program significantly enhanced HCWs’ BMWM knowledge and practices. However, challenges remain with older HCWs and non-nursing staff. Continued education, regular monitoring, and stricter enforcement are needed to maintain and improve BMWM practices.(3,5)