Rediseño del programa de gestión de manejo de desechos sanitarios del hospital básico Veloz, ubicado en el cantón Francisco de Orellana.

Abstract

Hospital waste produced in medical institutions and medical control equipment comprises pathogens or infectious substances that potentially endanger patients and hospital personnel. Therefore, this research aimed to redesign the healthcare waste management plan at Básico Veloz Hospital. The methodology implemented had a qualitative and quantitative approach since techniques and instruments such as direct observation, interviews, surveys, and knowledge tests were applied to the personnel working in the institution. This methodology determined that the hospital has 16 service areas and generates five types of waste, with infectious waste accounting for 60 percent. In contrast, 40 percent corresponds to biological waste and special waste accounts for 6 percent, and finally, common and hazardous waste is generated in the entire hospital area. In addition, it was found that the current regulations are partially complied with since there are non-compliances in several points of the checklist applied. It was found that 80 percent do not know if the hospital has a comprehensive waste plan; while 40 percent mention that the hospital does not have the respective labeling and wrapping of waste and residues; and 53 percent mention that it does not have an adequate storage place for waste. In this context, it is concluded that the hospital does not fully comply with the regulations because all the personnel work in risky conditions regarding the management of the sanitary waste generated in the institution and are unaware of the hospital's management plan.