The Development of a model program for the effective management of biomedical waste in the Caribbean. A Review of barriers within public hospitals in the Caribbean.

Author

Andrea Spence

Abstract

When biomedical waste is improperly managed it poses a health hazard and risk to healthcare workers, sanitation workers and the general public in contracting infectious/dangerous diseases. Biomedical waste is also generated from individuals in their homes from the use of syringes or diagnostic lancets that are not properly managed. Biomedical waste is considered special waste and has a health and environmental hazard that can result in infections and diseases such as HIV/AIDs. Discarded sharps pose a health risk to the public particularly solid waste workers who may suffer a needle stick injury if they are not properly packaged for disposal. Needle stick injuries can require very expensive testing and treatment and can increase the risk of exposure to infectious blood borne diseases such as Hepatitis and HIV from contaminated needles. Within the Caribbean region there are many factors influencing the effective management of biomedical waste. This paper will provide a review of these factors and their impacts (risks) base on the current management practices and systems for biomedical waste in three Caribbean islands. These major influencing factors include, government environment health and safety regulations for the healthcare industry, risks associated with biomedical waste management in public hospitals, public healthcare services vs private hospitals services, training of healthcare staff, public hospitals operating standards and guidelines and biomedical waste disposal.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Medical wastes--Caribbean Area--Management; Hazardous wastes--Caribbean Area--Management; Hospitals--Caribbean Area

Publication Date

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Civil Engineering Technology Environmental Management and Safety (CAST)

Advisor

Schneider, Jennifer

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TD1045.C27 S74 2010

Recommended Citation

Spence, Andrea, "The Development of a model program for the effective management of biomedical waste in the Caribbean. A Review of barriers within public hospitals in the Caribbean." (2010). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from
https://repository.rit.edu/theses/700

Campus

RIT – Main Campus