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Reducing misclassification of medical waste: nudging stakeholders to reduce waste misclassification in a novel
Jonathan J Szeto1, Hope Kim1, Catherine Z Shen1
1Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Background:
The OR generates over 30% of a healthcare facility's total waste, with more than 60% classified as regulated medical waste (RMW). Municipal waste (MW) is commonly incorrectly classified as RMW, resulting in unnecessary costs and environmental burden. As such, this pilot study aimed to determine if interventions that provide visual cues for waste classification and improve ergonomics in the operating room (OR) can improve waste sorting accuracy.
Methods:
In groups of two to four, participants were tasked with quickly solving tangram puzzles while periodically given simulated medical waste to dispose of into either a MW container or a RMW container. Groups first engaged in a control simulation, followed by an intervention simulation where educational signage and the novel adapted waste bin was placed in the OR. Sorting accuracy was assessed, and participants completed a post-participation survey.
Results:
23 participants took part of this pilot study. The proportion of correctly classified waste increased between control (53%) and intervention (88%) conditions, p < 0.01. Cost (n = 21) and sustainability (n = 20) were highly cited reasons why it might be important to correctly dispose of waste. Participants cited location of the containers (n = 13), time issues or OR stress (n = 10), and confusion in waste classification (n = 13) as barriers to accurate waste sorting.
Conclusion:
Participants had significant improvement in OR waste classification accuracy after the implementation of educational signage and a novel adapted bin system. These strategies can be employed to increase waste sorting accuracy in the OR or be used as an educational tool during trainings to improve staff understanding of proper waste disposal.
Insights
Implementing visual cues and ergonomic bins significantly improved operating room (OR) waste sorting accuracy, reducing costs and environmental impact. This pilot study highlights effective strategies for better regulated medical waste (RMW) and municipal waste (MW) management.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Waste Management
- Environmental Science
- Surgical Operations
Background:
- Operating rooms (ORs) generate substantial healthcare waste, with over 60% classified as regulated medical waste (RMW).
- Incorrect classification of municipal waste (MW) as RMW leads to increased costs and environmental burden.
- Accurate waste sorting in the OR is crucial for efficient resource management and sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of visual cues and ergonomic interventions on waste sorting accuracy in the OR.
- To identify barriers to accurate waste classification in surgical settings.
- To propose strategies for improving waste management in healthcare facilities.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 23 participants performing simulated waste disposal tasks.
- Comparison of waste sorting accuracy between a control condition and an intervention condition with educational signage and an adapted waste bin.
- Assessment of sorting accuracy and collection of participant feedback via surveys.
Main Results:
- Waste classification accuracy significantly improved from 53% in the control group to 88% in the intervention group (p < 0.01).
- Participants identified cost savings and sustainability as key motivators for correct waste disposal.
- Barriers included container placement, time constraints, OR stress, and classification confusion.
Conclusions:
- Educational signage and an adapted bin system demonstrably enhance OR waste sorting accuracy.
- These interventions can be implemented to optimize waste management in surgical settings.
- The strategies can serve as effective educational tools for staff training on proper waste disposal.
