Development Infectious Waste Management Model of Contracting Unit of Primary Care, Mueang Yasothon District, Yasothon Province

Abstract

     This action research aimed to develop an appropriate infectious waste management model for the health service network in Mueang Yasothon District, Yasothon Province. The development group consisted of 284 participants, including local administrative organizations, community leaders, village health volunteers, sub-district health promotion hospital staff, the Mueang Yasothon District Public Health Office, and Yasothon Hospital. The research instrument used was a questionnaire. The research followed the Kemmis & McTaggart (PAOR) process, which includes planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data were analyzed by collecting, categorizing, conducting content analysis, and evaluating the model using Paired t-test statistics to compare the differences in knowledge and behavior scores before and after model development.
     The study found that, after implementation, knowledge and behavior in infectious waste management significantly improved. Management issues and obstacles that require long-term planning include finding locations for infectious waste storage, providing material and equipment support, increasing personnel for waste transportation, and enacting local administrative regulations. The infectious waste management model for the health service network in Mueang Yasothon District, Yasothon Province consists of four key steps: 1) analyzing the infectious waste management situation and problems, 2) planning and setting operational guidelines, 3) monitoring and evaluation, and 4) continuous improvement and development.