IMPACT OF BIO-WASTE MANAGEMENT ON INFECTION CONTROL IN CRITICAL CARE UNITS

Author Name: 1. Steffy A. Abraham, 2. Dr. Chandra Prakash Dekhawat, 3. Kalingam Kannan, 4. Sonia Daniel, 5. Mahendra Singh, 6Vikas Kushwaha

Volume/Issue: 06/01

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/06.2025-95363476/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Assistant Professor, Parul Institute of Nursing, Parul University, Vadodara, India
2. Professor cum Vice Principal, Ananta College of Nursing, Rajsamand, India
3. Nursing Tutor GrII, School of nursing, Government Erode Medical College and Hospital, Perundurai, Erode, India
4. Associate Professor, Bapushaheb Thite College of Nursing, Shirur ,Pune, India
5. Assistant Professor, Seedling school of Nursing , Jaipur national University, Jaipur, India
6. Lecturer, Geetanjali College and School of Nursing, Udaipur, India

ABSTRACT

Critical Care Units (CCUs) are high-risk healthcare settings that inherently generate substantial amounts of biomedical waste (BMW) due to the intensive nature of patient care and the frequent use of disposables, invasive procedures, and pharmaceutical agents. Improper management of this waste significantly elevates the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), posing a serious threat to both patients and healthcare workers (HCWs). This paper reviews the critical role of effective BMW management in mitigating HAI risks within CCUs, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to national and international regulatory guidelines.Key components of efficient BMW management include proper segregation of waste at the point of generation, safe storage and transportation, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the application of appropriate treatment and disposal technologies such as autoclaving, incineration, or chemical disinfection. The review also highlights the indispensable role of continuous training and education for HCWs in fostering compliance with infection control practices and ensuring a culture of safety.The study underscores that lapses in BMW management not only contribute to the spread of infections but also hinder the overall quality of care. Conversely, robust and consistent implementation of waste handling protocols has been associated with lower HAI rates and improved patient outcomes. The findings support the urgent need for hospital administrators and policymakers to prioritize BMW management as an integral component of infection prevention strategies, especially in critical care settings where the stakes are exceptionally high.

Key words: Biomedical Waste Management, Critical Care Units (CCUs), Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infection Control, Healthcare Workers (HCWs), Waste Segregation and Disposal.