by Hanz Atia, Associate, Policy & Programs
The COVID-19 pandemic expedited the growth of at-home care for all types of patients and that number is expected to continue to grow. While at-home care has several challenges, one that is least talked about is how to properly dispose of medical and pharmaceutical waste outside of a healthcare facility.
Stericycle, a PSI partner, recently released its second annual Healthcare Workplace Safety Trend Report, revealing key perspectives and insights for improving patient and provider safety, including the challenges of managing medical and pharmaceutical waste in at-home care settings.
The report found that most healthcare providers (90%) and administrators (83%) expect the rate of at-home care to increase over the next five years. Only half (53%) of providers surveyed said they know how to dispose of medical waste in a safe manner in at-home care settings. That concern is increasing; in 2021, 65% of providers agreed their knowledge of disposal in at-home settings was sufficient. Providers are also concerned about the resources available, with less than half (41%) believing they have the adequate tools and resources available to properly dispose of regulated medical and pharmaceutical waste in at-home care settings.
On the heels of immense change brought on by modernization, new technology, changing expectations – and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic – the report delivers actionable steps for healthcare organizations to help create a healthier and safer environment for their patients and staff. Stericycle’s recent blog also shares critical information.
Medical “sharps” – disposable needles, syringes, and lancets – also allow people to self-inject medications at home and in public spaces. Americans discard more than three billion of these materials each year, often dumping them down drains or in the trash, but medical sharps can pollute the environment and injure sanitation workers. For more on solutions for medical sharps management, visit our product page.
