A pandemia da COVID-19 e os impactos sobre os resíduos sólidos de saúde na percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem no Hospital Universitário Alcides Carneiro em Campina Grande -PB (2020-2022).

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on healthcare waste (HCW) from the perspective of nursing professionals at the Alcides Carneiro University Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande (HUAC-UFCG), located in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil, during the period from 2020 to 2022. It was conducted as a descriptive-analytical methodological study, with a single-case approach due to the uniqueness imposed by the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study encompassed qualitative and quantitative aspects, with primary data collection through semi-structured interviews with 60 nursing professionals. Additionally, it was an applied research, utilizing interviews as the data collection instrument and involving statistical analysis of healthcare waste generation through the Healthcare Waste Management Committee of HUAC. The main results indicate that the majority of nursing professionals were unable to provide a conceptual definition of HCW and the stages of its management, often responding in an uncertain or confused manner. However, all participants acknowledged themselves as generators of solid waste in the course of their duties. The data also revealed that the adult ICU was the department that generated the most HCW, as reported by 38.33% of the interviewees. This perception also considered the increase in HCW generation during the pandemic. When analyzing the perception of nursing professionals regarding the environmental impacts caused by HCW generation, participants overwhelmingly emphasized the negative nature of the repercussions. Nevertheless, it is evident that the importance of considering HCW management is still primarily focused on risks related to the health of patients and professionals, with little consideration for the environmental context and labor practices that become harmful to the environment. Furthermore, it should be noted that the absence of continuous HCW management training, as indicated by the sample, constitutes a problem related to the environmental impacts generated by improper HCW.