Biomedical Waste Management Research Articles

Biomedical waste management in dental practice during the COVID-19: A questionnaire survey and a narrative review

Background: Environmental hazards have been a highly debated topic worldwide for a considerable time. During the pandemic, the benefits of environmental cleanliness in terms of increased water quality, air quality, has been reported oftentimes. However, the generation of biomedical waste comprising health care worker utilities such as masks, and gloves, has increased and this increase is calculated in terms of alarming statistics which shows 10 fold higher prediction of Biomedical waste than before. Recent studies by researchers support a cleaner environment; however, an equally increasing amount of biomedical waste generated needs to be monitored strictly alongside stringent regulations for safe disposal of biomedical waste which to be instilled in the mind of the general public. Materials and Methods: Databases like Pubmed and Google scholar were systematically searched for articles with the specific keywords “biomedical waste management in dental practice” which identified 17 articles on 13/09.2020 where filters were applied and restricted to 2020. A detailed analysis of the 17 articles was done and few articles were considered in this narrative review. Results: Our survey results show that the generation of biomedical waste and the awareness of the dental fraternity is very less, almost 41% don’t know the amount of waste generated in India. Conclusion: Amid growing COVID-19 disease incidence, a day-to-day assessment of biomedical waste generation with individual social responsibility is a dire need of the hour to combat and overcome the disease.

IJCM_59A: Knowledge and Practice regarding Biomedical Waste Management (BMW) among Paramedical Staff and Group IV Workers in tertiary care hospitals of Mangalore

Background: Planning the waste management of all waste generated in healthcare facilities is a crucial task to reduce the hazards and risks to individuals and the community. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practices regarding bio-medical waste management among paramedical staff and Group IV workers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 210 paramedical staff working at hospitals affiliated with Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore were assessed regarding their knowledge and practices regarding BMW. Institutional Ethics Committee permission was obtained before the commencement of the study. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS for Windows version 25.0, Armonk, New York, 25.0. Results: Among the total participants, there were 127 nurses, 6 lab technicians and 77 Group IV workers. 98.1% of healthcare providers were aware that their hospital has a waste management plan. 87.6% of healthcare providers follow hospital policies every time while disposing of waste. 92% of healthcare providers are aware of diseases transmitted by biomedical waste. The majority of the participants preferred using all five protective measures - gloves, goggles, masks, boots, and gowns while dealing with biomedical waste. Conclusion: The majority of the paramedical staff in our study were aware of the BMW management practices.

Perceptions of medical and para-medical personnel on biomedical waste management

La gestion des déchets médicaux est une préoccupation mondiale de Santé Publique. Notre étude a consisté à déterminer les perceptions des acteurs médicaux et paramédicaux sur la gestion des déchets biomédicaux. Pour collecter les données dont nous avions besoin pour cette étude, nous avons fait usage de la méthode d’enquête, comme instrument nous avons utilisé un questionnaire. Les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, Gestion des déchets biomédicaux et les effets néfastes liés à la mauvaise gestion des déchets hospitaliers / biomédicaux sont les paramètres observés durant l’étude. Les résultats observés sont ; pour les caractéristiques sociodémographiques 54% des enquêtés sont du sexe masculin, 68% des enquêtés sont dans le tranche d’âge 20 et 49 ans, 48% de nos enquêtés ont un niveau de formation universitaire ; pour le paramètre gestion des déchets biomédicaux : 79% disent qu’il existe une politique de gestion des déchets au sein de leur formation sanitaire, 74%.des enquêtés affirment qu’il y a une mauvaise gestion de la politique des déchets et 56% des déchets sont produits par services médicaux et enfin pour le paramètre effets néfastes liés à la mauvaise gestion des déchets hospitaliers / biomédicaux, les résultats suivants ont été constatés : 60% de nos enquêtés affirment que le déficit budgétaire est la cause de la mauvaise gestion de déchets, les enquêtés ont pour la plupart indexé les risques traumatiques et infectieux 40% ainsi que les risques chimiques 22% sont à la base risques liés au mauvais transport des déchets biomédicaux et 56% de nos enquêtés affirment que la prolifération des moustiques et autres bestioles nuisibles et la prolifération des nuisances écologiques sont les conséquences d’une mauvaise gestion des déchets hospitaliers/ biomédicaux.

Survey of Biomedical Waste Management

Biomedical waste management is an integral part of traditional and contemporary system of health care. We focuses on the identification and classification of Biomedical waste in Hospitals, Clinics, Pharmacy, Pathology Lab it’s management and it’s future prospective. The constituents of this type of waste are various and hazardous. Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (BMWM Rules, 2016) Specify that every healthcare facility shall take all necessary steps to ensure that BMW is handled without any adverse effect on human and environmental health. Then used colour coding and type of containers and labels for BMW containers or bags which should be non-washable and visible. We aware in hospital, Pharmacy, pathology lab, to insect incineration process and used it. Because the incineration process safe and reduce the pollution

Knowledge regarding biomedical waste management among nursing staffs of Teaching Hospital at Birgunj, Parsa, Nepal.

Biomedical waste poses significant environmental and public health risks, necessitating proper handling and disposal. Nursing staff, as frontline healthcare providers, play a crucial role in ensuring safe biomedical waste management practices. The objective of this study is to identify the knowledge on biomedical waste management among nurses in a hospital at Birgunj. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in National Medical College and Teaching Hospital. The nonprobability purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 169 nurses using a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 facilitated data entry and analysis. Descriptive analysis, employing mean and standard deviation, was conducted, while inferential analysis utilized the chi-square test to explore associations between knowledge levels and selected demographic variables. Results indicated that among the 169 respondents, the majority (67.45%) possessed adequate level of knowledge. Notably, no significant associations were observed between the nurse's knowledge level on biomedical waste management and the selected demographic variables. To enhance knowledge among nurses regarding biomedical waste management, it is recommended that hospital authorities organize continuous education programs and periodic training sessions. These initiatives can contribute to an increased understanding of proper biomedical waste management practices among nursing staff.

Variability of the treated biomedical waste disposal behaviours during the COVID lockdowns.

Literature review suggests that studies on biomedical waste generation and disposal behaviors in North America are limited. Given the infectious nature of the materials, effective biomedical waste management is vital to the public health and safety of the residents. This study explicitly examines seasonal variations of treated biomedical waste (TBMW) disposal rates in the City of Regina, Canada, from 2013 to 2022. Immediately before the onset of COVID-19, the City exhibited a steady pattern of TBMW disposal rate at about 6.6kg∙capita-1∙year-1. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns brought about an abrupt and persistent decline in TBMW disposal rates. Inconsistent fluctuations in both magnitude and variability of the monthly TBMW load weights were also observed. The TBMW load weight became particularly variable in 2020, with an interquartile range 4 times higher than 2019. The average TBMW load weight was also the lowest (5.1 tonnes∙month-1∙truckload-1) in 2020, possibly due to an overall decline in non-COVID-19 medical emergencies, cancellation of elective surgeries, and availability of telehealth options to residents. In general, the TBMW disposal rates peaked during the summer and fall seasons. The day-to-day TBMW disposal contribution patterns between the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic are similar, with 97.5% of total TBMW being disposed of on fixed days. Results from this Canadian case study indicate that there were observable temporal changes in TBMW disposal behaviors during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Navigating Challenges in Biomedical Waste Management in India: A Narrative Review.

Biomedical waste management (BMWM) in India poses significant challenges that demand thorough examination and strategic interventions. As the country's healthcare sector expands rapidly, proper management of biomedical waste becomes increasingly critical to safeguarding public health and environmental integrity. Biomedical waste, encompassing industrial waste, hospital waste, and waste from other healthcare facilities, poses a heightened risk of infection and injury compared to any other form of waste. A lack of understanding regarding safe medical waste disposal practices can be hazardous to one's health as well as the environment.To improve waste management practices in the country, we can suggest effective strategies and recommendations by developing a deeper understanding of the current situation.To manage medical waste effectively, healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable about and have experience with this process. This evaluation study provides a comprehensive overview ofcurrent BMWM methods in India, shedding light on the benefits, drawbacks, challenges, and areas for improvement in the healthcare waste management system.Several important facets of BMWM were highlighted by the literature research, including waste segregation, treatment techniques, and disposal options, as well as compliance and regulatory frameworks.

Knowledge and practices among nurses and laboratory technicians towards biomedical waste management

Background: Unmanaged sanatorium waste carries a severe threat of nosocomial infections, which are contagious. Improper disposal of biomedical waste poses a significant environmental and health threat to healthcare facilities, staff and communities, highlighting the growing challenges of managing this waste. Aims and Objectives: The study was aimed at evaluating the adequacy of knowledge and practice concerning biomedical waste management amongst nurses and laboratory technicians. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving 101 participants, including 50 nurses and 51 laboratory technicians, from June 2022 to 2023, using a validated self-administered Google Form questionnaire. The study used the Chi-square approach to conduct intergroup comparisons amongst nurses and laboratory technicians. Results: Statistically significant P values were found for age, sex, qualification and years of experience in a survey, with the highest qualification being postgraduation (46.5%). However, 45.5% had <1 year of experience, indicating a diverse demographic distribution. Conclusions: Continuous learning and professional development are crucial in healthcare, with tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps and waste management guidelines, ensuring successful implementation and accessibility for a diverse workforce.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Bio Medical Waste Management among Staff Nurses at Integral Hospital Dasauli, Lucknow, U.P

Biomedical Waste Management (BMW) means that any anatomical waste generated during the diagnosis and treatment of the patient or human being. The medical waste that is generated through the hospital causes harmful or toxic effect to the environment. The burning of solid and regulated medical waste generated by health care recreates many problems. In adequate and improper knowledge of handling waste may be have serious health consequences. According to WHO (2011) the inappropriate healthcare waste globally caused 21 million of hepatitis B (virus) and 32 % all new infections. Epidemiological studies indicate that through the improper management of waste had a source of 30 % of HBV infection, 18 % HCV infection & 0.3% of HIV infection. Proper management of biomedical waste is dominant for nurses because nurses spend maximum time with patient and in the ward as compare to any other member in health care team. Nurses have to an aware about the latest guidelines and skills update biomedical waste management to decrease the infection among the patients due to inadequate disposal of biomedical waste management. BACKGROUND: - The amount of biomedical waste being generated in our country is increasing day by day. Biomedical waste if not handled properly can pollute the environment and can spread many harmful diseases. Healthcare workers in our country are still not fully aware about proper biomedical waste management handling and hospital. India as a developing country is facing a lot of health care problem, with the increase in health care facilities; there is a growing concern of hazards of biomedical waste. Since the nursing staff is at the centre of biomedical waste handling, their knowledge of adequate disposal of biomedical waste is important. So, we conducted a study regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of nursing staff working in a premier institute of western Rajasthan with respect to biomedical waste and its management. Proper management of Biomedical Waste (BMW) generated in a healthcare facility is one of the most important functions of a healthcare worker (HCW) as its improper management not only poses risk to 5 human being and environment, but may also invite legal action against HCW as well as hospital administration. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge of Bio Medical Waste Management among Staff Nurses at Integral Hospital, Lucknow. OBJECTIVES: - Objectives of the study are:  To assess the knowledge regarding bio-medical waste management among staff nurses.  To assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding biomedical waste management among staff nurses  To find out the association between pre-test and post-test knowledge on Bio-Medical Waste with selected demographic variables among Staff Nurses at Integral Hospital, Lucknow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: - In this research study, the quantitative research approach adopted was pre-experimental, Pre-test and Post-test design setting of the study was selected in Integral Hospital, Lucknow and the sample was 40 Staff Nurses in Integral Hospital are selected by purposive sampling technique, the self-structured questionnaire was used. RESULTS: - The result shows that mean pre-test score and post-test score with standard deviation were 12.58±5.679 and 19.23±1.804 respectively. Based on the findings of the researcher calculated ‘t’ value i.e. 6.643. So the researcher accepted the research hypothesis. The result shows that there was significant association between pre-test and demographic variables. CONCLUSION: - The study concluded that the Structured Teaching Programme was effective in improving the level the knowledge regarding Bio Medical Waste Management.

Bio-Medical Waste And Environmental Protection Laws And Policies In India: Management And Solutions To Tackle Its Effects In India

With the economic development is the world and in India waste management is a matter of growing concern. Even the developed countries like US, UK, Japan and Canada face the similar issues. Taking into account the growing population of India, biomedical waste management and mismanagement becomes a matter of great concern. Biomedical wastes are “those types of trash that healthcare facilities make while treating patients, these pollutants pose major risks to both environmental hygiene and human health because they are extremely poisonous and hazardous, therefore it is crucial that these wastes be handled and managed effectively”, which calls for the establishment of an appropriate institutional and regulatory framework. Several legal regulations have occasionally been recognized on a national and international level based on this need. However, there are persistent worries about improper handling of these wastes, making a legal framework analysis crucial. In order to identify inconsistencies in those legal frameworks and the negative effects of widespread inadequate management of healthcare waste on people and the natural environment, this paper aims to evaluate the current laws in India that govern the management of biomedical wastes. It will also analyze the international legal framework on the same topic.

Predictors of biomedical waste management practices among staff nurses of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India.

Inappropriate handling of biomedical waste (BMW) may pose serious threats to the health of patients and hospital personnel. Among all healthcare workers, staff nurses play a vital role in BMW management (BMWM). Thus, the present study aimed to determine the predictors of BMWM practices among staff nurses of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 staff nurses, working at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India, from July to August 2018. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured, and self-administered questionnaire after taking their written informed consent. Regression analysis was carried out to identify the predictors of satisfactory BMWM practice status. Of the total 150 staff nurses, most of them were young females with a work experience of ≤ 5 years. Concerning knowledge scores, most staff nurses (63.3%) belonged to the moderate category, whereas a few (24%) were in the high category. Also, most of them (62.7%) were in the high category of attitude scores. For practice scores, half of the participants were in moderate and high categories, each. Female gender, attended training status, and moderate and high knowledge scores were significantly associated with satisfactory BMWM scores in unadjusted analysis. After adjusting for other independent variables, all these three factors were found significantly associated with satisfactory BMWM practice scores. The present study shows that the female gender, attending training in BMWM, and having a moderate and high knowledge of BMWM were significant predictors of satisfactory BMWM practice among staff nurses. Thus, all hospitals must periodically train their staff nurses to strengthen their BMWM practices. Safe BMWM leads to environmental protection and safeguards the health of patients, hospital personnel, and the public.

Knowledge and Practices of Nursing Staff Regarding Biomedical Waste Management at Rural Health Units in Tanta City

Knowledge and Practices of Nursing Staff Regarding Biomedical Waste Management at Rural Health Units in Tanta City

Biomedical waste management and their effects on the Environment: A review

Biomedical waste has the potential to be hazardous and cause environmental pollution, therefore its proper management and disposal, especially in hospitals and healthcare facilities, plays an important role in protecting both the environment and public health. Biomedical waste encompasses a diverse array of materials originating from patient care, research activities, and medical interventions, and inadequate handling poses significant hazards. Common disposal methods, such as incineration, have been associated with environmental contamination and the emission of harmful fumes. Biomedical waste poses health risks through the spread of infectious diseases, particularly via sharps injuries, and the release of toxic compounds into the environment. The hazardous category includes infectious, potentially hazardous, and radioactive waste, with around 10% of hospital waste deemed infectious according to the World Health Organization. Various disposal techniques, including burning, autoclaving, microwaving, shredding, landfilling, and chemical treatments, are employed globally, each with its own benefits and limitations. In this review, a classification of the various categories of biomedical waste and its effects, treatment and disposal methods are discussed. In summary, the substantial impact of biomedical waste on the environment and public health necessitates careful handling and adherence to regulations. The implementation of sustainable waste management practices, promotion of recycling, and adoption of innovative technologies are essential for mitigating the adverse effects of biomedical waste on the environment and local communities.

A study on the effectiveness of training programs in improving biomedical waste handling in a tertiary care hospital, Bengaluru: A pre-post study

BackgroundIn addition to being centres for healing, hospitals are major producers of infectious waste. The current study was carried out at a 700-bed tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru to assess Biomedical Waste (BMW) management practices at the source of generation and to ascertain the efficacy of training on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers (HCW). MethodsBefore the structured training program, each participant filled out the pre-test questionnaire. The structured training program on BMW (M and H) rules was conducted using audiovisual learning techniques. Immediately after the end of the training session, participants were given the 1st post-test questionnaire. Three months after the training session, the participants were given the 2nd post-test questionnaire. ResultsOut of 183 participants involved in the study, 33.9 % of the participants were males, while 66.1 % were females. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was applied to the pre-and post-interventional knowledge and practices. There was a significant mean difference between pre-interventional (4.7 ± 1.7) and post-interventional knowledge (post-test 1–8.8 ± 1.3; post-test 2–7.3 ± 1.4) regarding Bio-medical waste management. Similarly, a significant difference in mean between pre-interventional (5.9 ± 1.4) and post-interventional practices (post-test 1–8.6 ± 1.1; post-test 2–7.3 ± 1.2) regarding BMW management. ConclusionThe study concluded that regular training programs on BMW and its hazards for all HCWs including group D workers should be conducted.

Impact of a Crisis on Waste Management Policy Adherence And Practices - A Narrative Review of Bio-Medical Waste Management During the Covid-19 Pandemic

As the greatest threat to humanity since the Black Death of 1929, the COVID-19 pandemic is believed to be the worst and most terrible world-wide health catastrophe of the century. This pandemic has significantly altered the demographics, and ordinary economic activity ceased to save human lives. Although the limited economy has helped to create an environmentally friendly atmosphere, it additionally brought about a significant problem with biomedical waste. This review paper covers the various steps, initiatives, methods, and techniques to degrade biomedical waste(BMW) from hospitals, clinics, production units, workplaces, homes, and laboratories due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the narrative review was to identify how the crisis impacted existing practices of biomedical waste management and adherence to overarching policy frameworks, along with the changes that were initiated in the same. We have reviewed a range of statutory norms, techniques, and methods used to dispose of biomedical waste appropriately during the pandemic. A big challenge to the world today is to dispose of them properly, without promulgating the infection in the immediate and larger environment. The results of the review show that there were definitive changes in the way BMW management practices were followed before and after the pandemic, along with overarching changes in statutory regulations and policy frameworks around these practices. The study also puts forth reasoning behind these changes and recommends a direction and context for the same in order to help prepare for another crisis while reducing the environmental impact of BMW.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices about Biomedical Waste Management among Healthcare Personnel in Primary Healthcare Centers in Western Maharashtra

Background: The absence of proper waste management, lack of awareness about the health hazards of biomedicalwastes, and poor control of waste disposal pose the most critical problems. It is essential for healthcare workersto have the knowledge, practice, and safe method for biomedical waste handling. Our objective is to assess theknowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) about BMW management among healthcare workers working at PHCin rural health areas.Methods: The present community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among the healthcare personnelin primary healthcare centers in randomly selected Taluka of Western Maharashtra. For this questionnaire-basedcross-sectional study, a questionnaire was designed which includes,relevant aspects of BMW Management likeknowledge about various types of biomedical waste, its disposal in various color-coded bags, and its transport.Through the one-to-one interview, information was obtained as per the questionnaire. Data entry was done in aMicrosoft Excel sheet and analysis was done. Proportion & percentage were used to interpret the result.Conclusions: There was a lack of knowledge regarding segregation & transmission of diseases through BMWamong sanitary staff. It also shows that enough precautions were not being taken for preventing needle stickinjuries among nurses and sanitary staff.

Knowledge and awareness about biomedical waste segregation and disposal among medical and paramedical students at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai

Abstract Introduction: Wastes produced by health-care facilities are unique in terms of generation, composition, treatment, and disposal when compared to other general wastes. Inappropriate handling of biomedical waste (BMW) led to several health risks from sharps injuries, the spread of infections, and the release of toxic substances into the environment. Not many studies throw insight into the difference in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) across medical and paramedical students related to BMW segregation and disposal. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness levels regarding BMW segregation and disposal among medical and paramedical students at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 632 participants, including medical (3rd and 4th years) and paramedical students. The questionnaire assessed their KAP related to BMW management. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and a comparison was made between medical and paramedical students using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The results revealed that medical students (3rd and 4th years) exhibited better KAP in BMW management than paramedical students. Medical students demonstrated a more comprehensive understanding of BMW segregation, disposal methods, and associated health risks. They also displayed a higher level of awareness regarding the importance of proper BMW management for environmental and public health protection. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the need to strengthen educational interventions targeting paramedical students to enhance their understanding of proper BMW management practices.

Assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program on bio medical waste management among staff nurses working in scpm multi-speciality hospital Gonda (Uttar Pradesh)

Assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program on bio medical waste management among staff nurses working in scpm multi-speciality hospital Gonda (Uttar Pradesh)

Applications of Bioremediation in Biomedical Waste Management: Current and Future Prospects

Applications of Bioremediation in Biomedical Waste Management: Current and Future Prospects

From classroom to clinic: A cross sectional survey on fostering awareness of biomedical waste management among the dental students

ABSTRACT Background: In dental practices, biomedical waste (BMW) management is essential to preserving a clean and safe atmosphere for patients and medical personnel. Dental facilities generate different forms of BMW, which include sharps, contaminated materials, and/or potentially infectious substances, which require proper handling, storage, and disposal to minimize the risk of infection and environmental contamination. Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of BMW management among dental students in Chennai city using paper-based questionnaire. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey containing 28 questions was framed to assess the knowledge and awareness of BMW management among the final-year BDS, interns, and postgraduate students (a total of 100 students). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 27.0. Results: The results of our study showed statistically significant results with P = 0.01 among the study groups. The overall knowledge, attitude, and practice score was observed to be 67.5% for final-year BDS students, 68.09% for interns, and 71.76% for postgraduates. Conclusion: The knowledge assessed was found to be average among the participants. Hence, proper training and assessment are necessary for the proper handling and practice of BMW management.