Evaluation of medical waste management processes and attitudes towards these processes in healthcare organizations

Medical waste refers to waste that is potentially contaminated with pathogens and poses a risk of disease transmission within healthcare settings. It includes materials contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids resulting from medical procedures, carrying a high potential for infection. Such waste can have detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. The waste management process covers the process from the generation of waste to its disposal. It is essential that this process is carried out in accordance with the legislation. This study aims to define medical waste management processes in healthcare facilities and to assess healthcare personnel's knowledge and attitudes regarding these processes. The universe of the study consists of medical and administrative personnel working in a city hospital. 409 healthcare workers were reached during the data collection process. The questionnaire, which is a quantitative data collection tool, was designed online via Google Forms and was distributed within the hospital. The questionnaire form consists of 2 sections. The first section is related to demographic variables and consists of 6 questions. The second section consists of a 24-item Likert-type structure. A semi-structured interview form was used to define the process and 10 participants were included in this stage. In the survey application, 62.6% of the participants were female and the average age was 32.00 ± 7.70. 5.1% of the participants were primary and secondary school graduates, 20.3% were high school graduates, 64.5% had an associate degree and bachelor's degree, and 10.1% had a postgraduate education. 40.1% of the participants were nurses, 6.6% were doctors, 22.5% were support/cleaning personnel, 6.4% were midwives, 8.8% were technicians, 5.1% were medical secretaries, and 10.5% were employees with other titles. Participants were employed across various units: 5.1% in administrative departments, 32.8% in emergency services, 17.4% in intensive care units, 2.9% in operating rooms, 21.5% in inpatient wards, and 20.3% in outpatient clinics or day procedure centers. In terms of professional experience, 43.5% had 0–5 years, 33.3% had 6–10 years, 10.2% had 11–15 years, and 13% had 16 years or more.As a result of the research, it was determined that the gender and field of work of the employees do not affect their perceptions and attitudes towards medical waste processes, but the level of education, title and experience (years of experience) affect their perceptions and attitudes towards medical waste processes. Medical waste inspections should be intensified. Training plans should be made for personnel working in busy areas on waste and the number of trainings should be increased as necessary. The importance of waste management should be explained to the employees. Keywords: Medical Waste Management, Perception, Awaraness, Health Management