Conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem sobre o gerenciamento de resíduos de serviços de saúde na oncologia

Abstract

Introduction: Hospitals are considered the primary contributors to the volume and production of Healthcare Service Waste. However, there are factors that contribute to the high generation of these wastes, such as the continuous use of disposable materials, inadequate waste segregation, and the intense consumption of materials due to the complexity of healthcare assistance. Among the wastes generated in the hospital environment, those resulting from antineoplastic chemotherapy treatments are classified as Group B, i.e., biological waste, which includes materials contaminated with bodily fluids or substances that pose a risk of infection. The management of these wastes involves a multidisciplinary team, especially nursing teams, who must ensure safe handling and disposal to avoid risks to health and the environment. Improper handling of these materials can pose significant risks to both the health of workers and the environment.Objective: To identify the knowledge of the nursing team in the chemotherapy department of an oncological hospital in Rio Grande do Norte regarding the management and handling of healthcare service waste, especially antineoplastics.Method: This descriptive and exploratory study aimed to describe the practices and characteristics of the daily routine of nursing professionals in the chemotherapy department. Data were collected through a questionnaire during the participants' work shifts in June 2024 at the Advanced Oncology Center, located in Natal/RN. The data were analyzed using Google Sheets, where responses were tabulated and analyzed in terms of waste identification and disposal. The results were presented in terms of correct and incorrect answers, organized by groups and situations depicted, allowing for the identification of percentages and absolute values of the participants' responses.Results: The results showed that the highest accuracy occurred in the identification of Group B waste (Chemical Waste) (86%), and the lowest accuracy was in Group A (Infectious Waste) (55%). In total, 70% of the answers were correct. In practical disposal situations, the accuracy rate ranged between 63.63% and 81.81%, with 100% incorrect answers in situations 1 and 2, indicating the need for improvements in training on the proper handling of waste. Conclusion: This study aimed to identify the knowledge of the nursing team about healthcare waste management in the chemotherapy department. The results showed that, despite 70% accuracy in waste identification and disposal, there are significant gaps, especially in the handling of infectious waste and in practical situations. These findings indicate the need to enhance practical training to ensure the proper and safe disposal of waste in the hospital environment.