Management of unused healthcare materials and medicines discarded in a Brazilian hospital from 2015 to 2019

Abstract

Unused materials and medicines in the hospital environment can evolve to disposal, without having been used, and these represent a problem that needs to be more closely analyzed. This study evaluated the unused materials and medicines management, focusing on those discarded as waste without use. A cross-sectional study was done with data including all unused material and medicines generated by the hospital, considering the records of the years 2015 to 2019. The main analyzed variables were: disposal records (number); healthcare waste type (material or medication), based on classification; indication of use; year of disposal; quantity discarded (in kilograms); reason for disposal (inability to use or expiration date); cost of acquisition and final destination per year. Total cost of discarded items was USD 108,722.41, with the higher value in 2016 (USD 47,686.71) and the lower in 2017 (USD 1,028.40). Over the years, data suggested an increased tendency of unused materials discharged and a decreased tendency to medicines. There was also a trend toward an increase in discards due to the impossibility of using materials and medicines, and a reduction in discards due to expiration date. Finally, there is a need to improve information systems and strengthen educational practices aiming at making more robust the organizational management process. • Total cost of unused materials and medicines discarded from between 2015 to 2019 was USD 108,722.41 • Management processes are essential through integrated strategies with sustainable standards and waste minimization in the institution • Information systems and strengthen educational practices are important to reduce wastes generation