Designing a model for household infectious waste management

Abstract

Introduction: Infectious waste production is a constant concern and a growing problem in healthcare services. Today, increasing levels of care at home also contribute to the significant volume of infectious waste produced from domestic premises. Objective: This study seeks to design a model for household infectious waste management. Methods: The present study is a combined study that was conducted in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 1401-1402. In order to extract the effective factors on household infectious waste management, extensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts in the field of waste management, who were purposefully selected, were used. The extracted components were validated using the Delphi technique. Finally, the designed model was validated by asking the opinion of experts. Results: By examining 62 domestic and foreign articles and 15 semi-structured interviews with experts, the proposed model with 12 main components of education and culture, management measures, social and legal support, resource provision, technology, control and evaluation, production , classification and collection, temporary storage, transportation, processing and recycling, safe disposal and 14 sub-components were designed with the aim of managing household infectious waste. Conclusion: Considering that the presented model is a combination of literature review and experts' opinion, it can provide a more comprehensive view of household infectious waste disposal. and act as a basis for changing the attitude of the managers of the waste sector and the society in the direction of managing these wastes. The implementation of this model and its success requires the broad support of stakeholders. Keywords: infectious waste, waste management, household waste