Divya K Sharma, Lilia C Murase, Misha Rosenbach, John S Barbieri, Jenny E Murase
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: The disposal of regulated medical waste (RMW) in the healthcare setting can be both costly and environmentally harmful. Prior studies have found large amounts of waste disposed of in RMW containers are inappropriately placed. Few studies to date have investigated the efficacy of waste reduction practices in the dermatology setting.
Methods: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a practice-wide intervention in reducing RMW in the outpatient dermatology setting. By performing daily waste audits and two concurrent educational interventions, the amount of RMW produced and percent of appropriately placed RMW will be measured. Further analysis will occur by comparing pre-intervention values to post-intervention values.
Results: The percentage of waste properly placed in RMW containers prior to any intervention was 11%. Following both educational interventions, the percentage of waste properly placed in RMW containers increased by 56.1% (CI 43.7-68.5%) and the percentage of total waste produced that was identified and disposed of as RMW decreased by 6.0% (95% CI 1.2-10.8%).
Conclusion: Our study provides practical data for dermatology providers to make small changes which can result in significant reductions of regulated medical waste, potentially providing benefits to the environment and cost-savings.
期刊介绍：
Dermatology and Therapy is an international, open access, peer-reviewed, rapid publication journal (peer review in 2 weeks, published 3–4 weeks from acceptance). The journal is dedicated to the publication of high-quality clinical (all phases), observational, real-world, and health outcomes research around the discovery, development, and use of dermatological therapies. Studies relating to diagnosis, pharmacoeconomics, public health and epidemiology, quality of life, and patient care, management, and education are also encouraged.
Areas of focus include, but are not limited to all clinical aspects of dermatology, such as skin pharmacology; skin development and aging; prevention, diagnosis, and management of skin disorders and melanomas; research into dermal structures and pathology; and all areas of aesthetic dermatology, including skin maintenance, dermatological surgery, and lasers.
The journal is of interest to a broad audience of pharmaceutical and healthcare professionals and publishes original research, reviews, case reports/case series, trial protocols, and short communications. Dermatology and Therapy will consider all scientifically sound research be it positive, confirmatory or negative data. Submissions are welcomed whether they relate to an International and/or a country-specific audience, something that is crucially important when researchers are trying to target more specific patient populations. This inclusive approach allows the journal to assist in the dissemination of quality research, which may be considered of insufficient interest by other journals. The journal appeals to a global audience and receives submissions from all over the world.
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