From knowledge to impact: revolutionizing nursing practices in biomedical waste management for sustainable healthcare...

Effective biomedical waste management is essential for minimizing environmental contamination and safeguarding public health. Nurses play a pivotal role in this process, yet their competence often requires enhancement, particularly in resource-limited settings.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an educational program in improving nursing competence in biomedical waste management at El-Minia University Hospitals.

A quasi-experimental design was employed with pre- and post-intervention assessments measuring nurses' knowledge and practices. The intervention, structured into three sessions, combined lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Seventy-five nurses participated, and data were collected using validated tools. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests and correlation assessments.

Post-intervention assessments revealed a significant improvement in nurses' knowledge (p < 0.001), attitudes, and practices (p < 0.001) related to biomedical waste management. Additionally, the correlation between knowledge and practice increased post-intervention (r = 0.62, p < 0.001), highlighting a stronger positive association between these variables.

Structured educational programs effectively enhance nursing competence in biomedical waste management, contributing to safer healthcare environments. Further research should explore long-term sustainability and curriculum integration.

NCT06718660 on 5/12/2024.