AWARENESS ABOUT BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONGST MEDICAL INTERNS-AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY FROM CENTRAL INDIA

BACKGROUND Biomedical waste (BMW) management policies are mandated in hospitals to reduce the risks of health hazards from the hospital waste. Strict adherence to the norms requires a teamwork from healthcare workers including doctors, nursing staff, attendants as well as medical interns and residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we evaluated the baseline knowledge of medical interns about BMW management using a structured questionnaire and devised a scoring system based on the response. The interns were then inducted with a series of didactic lectures along with practical demonstrations periodically over a period of 3 months. RESULTS At the end of this interventional training, medical interns were reassessed using the same questionnaire. Knowledge on all parameters was markedly improved at post-course evaluation of the participants. Significant improvement in the overall score was achieved (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION Management of BMW is a team-work and medical interns are an essential part of the healthcare team. There were several lacunae in the knowledge about hospital waste management amongst medical interns which subsequently improved with our training interventions. We recommend regular vocational activities by the hospital infection control committee in order to successfully implement the BMW management rules in the hospital. In addition, constant vigilance on the BMW disposal should be integrated in the infection control activities in the hospital.