V3I8P12

Effectiveness of a Continuing Nursing Education Programme on Knowledge Regarding Biomedical Waste Management among Staff Nurses at Kannur Medical College Hospital, Anjarakandy, Kerala: A Pre-Experimental Study

Prof. Dr. J. Sathya Shenbega Priya, PhD, WRFL, FPDNR^1*, Mr. Aswanth P. P., B.Sc. Nursing²

Abstract

Background

Biomedical waste (BMW) management is an indispensable component of quality healthcare services and infection prevention. Healthcare facilities generate a wide range of infectious and hazardous waste that, if improperly handled, poses significant risks to healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers, the community, and the environment. Nurses play a central role in biomedical waste segregation, transportation, storage, and disposal. Therefore, updating their knowledge through Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) programmes is essential to ensure compliance with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and subsequent amendments.

Objectives

To assess the pre-test knowledge of staff nurses regarding biomedical waste management.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a Continuing Nursing Education programme on biomedical waste management.

To compare the pre-test and post-test knowledge scores of staff nurses.

To determine the statistical significance of the educational intervention.

Methods

A quantitative research approach with a pre-experimental one-group pre-test–post-test design was adopted. The study was conducted among 30 staff nurses working at Kannur Medical College Hospital, Anjarakandy, Kerala. A self-structured questionnaire consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions was used to assess knowledge. After obtaining permission from the General Manager and Nursing Superintendent, a one-hour Continuing Nursing Education programme on biomedical waste management was conducted. The post-test was administered immediately after the educational session. Descriptive statistics and paired t-test were used to analyse the data.

Results

The mean pre-test knowledge score was 5.83 ± 1.76, while the mean post-test score increased to 8.57 ± 1.01. The mean difference between the scores was 2.73. The calculated paired t-value was 10.09 with 29 degrees of freedom, and the p-value was <0.001, indicating a highly statistically significant improvement in knowledge following the CNE programme.

Conclusion

The Continuing Nursing Education programme was highly effective in improving the knowledge of staff nurses regarding biomedical waste management. Periodic educational programmes should be integrated into hospital continuing education initiatives to enhance compliance with biomedical waste management guidelines and promote patient, worker, and environmental safety.

Keywords:

Biomedical Waste Management; Continuing Nursing Education; Staff Nurses; Knowledge; Hospital Waste; Infection Prevention; Healthcare Waste; Nursing Education