Gerenciamento dos residuos de serviços de saúde: desafios da disposição ambientalmente adequada na atenção básica

Abstract

Health service waste (RSS) can be defined as that generated in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, Basic Health Units, among other places that provide human and animal health care. In this sense, the environmentally appropriate management of waste from healthcare services in Primary Care aims to reduce the risks of infection to living beings, as well as reducing the chances of them harming the environment. This study carried out an integrative review of the literature with the aim of understanding the challenges faced by Primary Health Care for the environmentally appropriate disposal of its waste. To do this, a database was consulted, using the following descriptors: “Health Service Waste”, “health care waste management”, “environmentally appropriate disposal”, and “primary care”. Initially, 31,509 were found, which, applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, reduced to 66 articles. Finally, after reading the title and summary, 21 were selected for discussion. From the analysis of these, we identified that the challenges linked to RSS arise from the poor management of Health Service Waste, by the professionals involved in the management. The need for more investment from the sectors responsible for RSS disposal, greater supervision, continued training and greater awareness of the importance of correct segregation and disposal of RSS was perceived. It is reaffirmed how necessary it is to follow all the correct handling and management steps and techniques, providing safety for workers who deal directly or indirectly with RSS, as well as for society, guaranteeing protection and preservation of the environment.