Applying Nightingale charts to evaluate the heterogeneity of biomedical waste in a Hospital

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the heterogeneity of biomedical waste (BW) using Nightingale charts. METHOD: cross-sectional study consisting of data collection on wastes (direct observation of receptacles, physical characterisation, and gravimetric composition), development of a Management Information System, and creation of statistical charts. RESULTS: the wastes with the greatest degree of heterogeneity are, in order, recyclable, infectious, and organic wastes; chemical waste had the most efficient segregation; Nightingale charts are useful for quick visualisation and systematisation of information on heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: the development of a management information system and the use of Nightingale charts allows for the identification and correction of errors in waste segregation, which increase health risks and contamination by infectious and chemical wastes and reduce the sale and profit from recyclables.

Risk of potential exposure incident in non-healthcare workers in contact with infectious and municipal waste

“…The results of this research confirm the recommendation on the need to conduct periodic surveys on sharps waste disposal with purpose of identifying incorrect procedures in practice ( 19 ), as well as the necessity for municipal waste surveillance, for a fuller insight into the practice of disposal of hazardous medical waste ( 5 ), all with the goal of preventing the sharps injuries and other exposure incidents of non-healthcare workers as well as all persons who come into contact with waste from health facilities. Characterization of medical waste is an essential tool not only to assess the production of waste within the institution, but also to accurately identify other types of problems ( 20 ). The results of this study reflect the paradox of the health care system in which healthcare workers on one hand ‘cure,’ but on the other hand ‘endanger’ the health.…”

Estratégias de tratamento de resí­duos quí­micos gerados na FCF/USP

“…No caso de instituições na área de serviço à saúde, os riscos maiores associados à saúde humana estão relacionados à segregação inadequada dos resíduos infectantes e químicos, especialmente quando estes estão misturados com resíduos comuns e recicláveis, uma vez que quem os manipula não espera encontrá-los logo não estão suficientemente protegidos (PAIZ et al, 2014).…”