Proposta de plano de gestão integrada de resíduos sólidos hospitalares: Instituto de Coração (ICOR)

Abstract

This study proposes an Integrated Hospital Solid Waste Management Plan (IHSWMP) for the Heart Institute (ICOR) to improve waste management, minimize environmental impacts, and reduce public health risks. To achieve this, hospital solid waste was identified, quantified, and classified in various treatment units at ICOR, including the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Surgical Center, Clinical Analysis Laboratory, and general Wards. The methodology involved a survey to assess staff perceptions of waste management, followed by gravimetric characterization. Waste was collected, segregated according to established literature, and weighed individually over five days. The results showed that most waste generated at ICOR belongs to Group A (biological), being most significant in the Surgical Center (53%) and the ICU (46%). Chemical waste (Group B) had its highest concentration in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory (26%). Sharps waste (Group E) was most prevalent in the Surgical Center (27%), while common waste (Group D) was most representative in the Wards (26%). The hospital’s total average waste generation was 23.5 kg/day. Based on these findings, improvements are needed in waste segregation and disposal processes. We suggest standardizing segregation practices, optimizing internal collection, providing continuous staff training, and implementing appropriate technologies for the safe treatment and disposal of hospital waste. Adopting these strategies will help reduce biological, chemical, and environmental risks, ensuring greater safety for healthcare professionals and promoting efficient and sustainable hospital waste management at ICOR.