Identifying and prioritizing the key factors affecting waste management in the healthcare sector using the Fuzzy Dematel method

Mehdi Kabiri  Naeini; Zeynab  Elahi; Ahmad Kamali  Zarch

doi:10.18502/mshsj.v9i3.17299

Mehdi Kabiri Naeini Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Zeynab Elahi Ph.D. student of Industrial Engineering, yazd University, yazd, Iran
Ahmad Kamali Zarch MSc in Education and Human Resources Development, Department of Educational Sciences, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/mshsj.v9i3.17299

Keywords: Sustainability, Health waste management, Hospital

Abstract

Background: Hospital wastes are very important as one of the most dangerous pollutants. With the ever-increasing amount of healthcare waste and the increasing awareness and demands of the people, sustainable management of healthcare waste has become increasingly important. The purpose of this research is to identify and prioritize effective and efficient factors on sustainable waste management in the healthcare sector.

Methods: The current research is a quantitative-qualitative (mixed) research. First, by reviewing the available literature, 10 factors affecting the sustainable management of health waste were identified. Sampling in both quantitative and qualitative parts has been done purposefully and through available observations. The qualitative part included open interviews with experts and managers. Then, these factors were prioritized by collecting opinions and using the fuzzy Dimetal technique.

Results: In this study, by reviewing the existing literature and conducting interviews, 10 factors were identified. These factors were divided into two general categories of influential factors and influential factors by implementing the fuzzy DEMATEL technique, which were prioritized as follows; Influential factors include green healthcare organization culture and encouraging waste recycling, promoting best practices for sustainable waste management, strengthening sustainable waste management training programs, improving environmental awareness of healthcare workers, planning for sustainable waste management, and creating a positive attitude towards sustainable waste management; influential factors include appropriate legal framework to support sustainable waste management, creating the necessary infrastructure for waste management, environmentally friendly waste management technologies, and purchasing based on environmental requirements.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this research, in order to reduce the risks related to health pollutants, it is necessary to design educational programs related to this issue in hospitals, so that on the one hand, a positive attitude towards the importance of paying attention to health waste control for employees is created, and on the other hand, appropriate activities is taught to them. Also, the government should implement controlling laws and periodic audits related to this issue.