Diagnosis Of Hospital, Hazardous and Similar Waste Management of an Institution Providing Health Services – IPHS

Abstract

Introduction: This article presents the results of the research carried out from January 2018 to December 2019, in an institution providing third-level health services (IPHS), located in Tunja (Boyacá), in eastern central Colombia. Problem: There are various difficulties related to the management of waste produced by the IPHS; Irresponsible practices cause the spread of infections, which have repercussions in critical situations locally, regionally and internationally. Objective: To evaluate the management of hospital, hazardous and similar waste (HCWM), carried out by an IPHS, and to formulate strategies for its improvement. Methodology: The research was carried out in three (3) stages: data collection (through inspections and weighing of waste), data analysis (for the qualification and quantification of the waste), and finally, some guidelines for its proper management were proposed, based on the context of the organization. Results: The IPHS generated 397.6 tonnes of hospital, hazardous and similar waste (MW). Biohazard waste (BW) predominated over the others (54.11%), followed by usable non-hazardous waste - UNHW (41.53%) and chemical and pharmaceutical waste - CPW (4, 37%). Conclusion: The entity complies with the main requirements of the national government, identifying good utilization and biosecurity practices; however, under diagnosis and with the implementation of guidelines emanating from research, it is possible to optimize procedures. Originality: The guidelines and activities for the separation, use and internal collection of waste within an IPHS were observed and then interrelated with the services provided and their resources. This work could be a guideline for related institutions. Limitations: The article focuses on the internal and non-external management of MW.