A Study to Improve Hospital Waste Management in a Tertiary Care Facility in Lucknow: A Comprehensive Quality Improvement Approach

Abstract

Background: Proper biomedical waste (BMW) management is essential to prevent occupational hazards, environmental contamination, and healthcare-associated infections. Despite national guidelines, compliance among healthcare personnel remains suboptimal in many tertiary care hospitals.

Objective: To assess baseline BMW knowledge and practices and evaluate the impact of a structured quality improvement (QI) intervention in a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow.

Methods: A hospital-based interventional study was conducted among 204 healthcare personnel, including doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and housekeeping staff from December 2024 to December 2025. Baseline knowledge and practices were assessed using a structured questionnaire and observational checklist based on the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016. A Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycle–based intervention comprising training sessions, SOP/poster displays, provision of colour-coded bins, and supervisory feedback was implemented. Post-intervention knowledge and compliance were reassessed. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0; pre- and post-intervention comparisons were performed using the Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: Baseline assessment showed poor compliance with BMW practices: correct waste segregation (48%), use of colour-coded bins (54.9%), proper labelling (42.2%), and PPE usage (50%). Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in segregation (85.8%), colour-coded bin usage (90.2%), labelling (81.9%), and PPE adherence (87.7%) (p < 0.001 for all). Knowledge of BMW rules and hazard awareness also increased substantially.

Conclusion: Structured QI interventions significantly improved knowledge and compliance with biomedical waste management among healthcare personnel. Regular training, continuous monitoring, and administrative support are essential for sustaining these improvements and promoting a safer healthcare environment.