30-05-2013, 11:26 AM
HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE UNION TERRITORY OF PONDICHERRY. - AN EXPLORATION
HOSPITAL WASTE.pdf (Size: 1.46 MB / Downloads: 45)
INTRODUCTION
Health care settings which restore and maintain community health
are also threatening their well being. An anonymous questionnaire survey
was conducted in Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam to determine
the awareness about waste management policy and practices. Attitude
related to the issue was also ascertained. Data was collected from all
sections of employees in health care settings. To document the practices,
photographs were also taken Overall response rate was 82%. More than
half (52%) of the respondents were not aware of the existence of
a legislation and majority (72%) not aware of authorisation. Burning
was most widely followed (42%) practice followed by incineration (39%),
burial(28%), segregation (24%), autoclave (24%) and deep burial (23%).
Vast majority (74%) did not use any color coding and only a very small
percentage(15%) used the bio-hazard symbol. Maintaining a register and
auditing virtually did not exist. Majority (80%) regarded this as an issue
that needs to be tackled.
No appropriate strategy exists and it is time to act, to prevent an epidemic
waiting to happen.
An anonymous questionnaire (Appendix-1,Page no 15) was developed after
literature search and review. The questionnaire was designed to suite five categories of
personnel associated with health care settings, i.e Doctors, House surgeons, Students (
Final year), Paramedical and Auxillary Staff. Pilot survey was carried out by distributing
the questionnaire to fifty personnel from all the five categories. Validity and reliability
were ascertained.
The survey team (Appendix-2,Page no 20) was formed to collect data . The period
of study was from February 2004 to November 2004. The pre-tested anonymous
questionnaire were distributed to personnel from all the five categories in Pondicherry,
Karaikal, Yanam and Mahe. Informal consultations with healthcare personnel was also
done. Health care settings covered included Medical college hospitals, Dental college
hospital, General hospitals, Private hospitals, Community health centers, Primary health
centers, Laboratories, Dental clinics and Veterinary hospital. The respondents were asked
to indicate their views on waste management policy, practices and their attitude related to
the issue. Opportunity was also given to give details regarding certain questions asked.
To document waste management practices, photographs were taken . All data
management and analysis were carried out using Microsoft Excel.