Classification of medical solid waste and some related factors in clinical departments at K Hospital Tan Trieu Branch 2024

Objective: To evaluate the current status of medical solid waste classification at the K Hospital-Tan Trieu branch and association factors. Methods: A mixed method combining quantitative (using a cross-sectional study) and qualitative methods was conducted from January 2024 to September 2024 in 22 clinical departments of the Tan Trieu branch of K Hospital. Quantitative data were collected through observations using checklists to assess the waste classification practices of 245 medical staffs. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with one hospital director representative, one leader of the Infectious Control Department, four leaders of the Internal Medicine Division and the Surgery Division, and two leaders of nurses from clinical departments, as well as 2 group discussions with medical staffs (16 participants). Quantitative data were entered using Microsoft Excel and processed with SPSS20.0 software. Qualitative data were transcribed, saved in Word files, and analyzed thematically. Results: The research showed that 82.0% of healthcare workers correctly classified medical solid waste, Several positive factors influencing medical waste solid classification included the hospital management board’s support, properly developed waste management procedures, effective collaboration among departments, reasonable allocation of funds for waste solid management, and adequate provision of tools for waste classification. Negative factors included not being trained about medical solid waste classification and high workloads. Conclusion: Medical staffs at K Hospital - Tan Trieu branch have good practice in medical solid waste classification. We recommend that the Tan Trieu branch of K Hospital implement policies to reduce healthcare staffs’ workloads and strengthen training on medical solid waste classification quarterly, particularly for physicians and staff with postgraduate qualifications. Communication efforts on medical solid waste classification should be enhanced through various methods within the hospital campus.