A Design Study of Sustainable Infectious Waste Management Systems for Small Healthcare Providers in North-Eastern Thailand

Thawon NIYOMPANITPATANA, Elivio Bonollo

    Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper outlines the methodology, based on a systems design approach, used to investigate and develop an improved model of an infectious waste management system for small healthcare providers in North-Eastern Thailand, mindful of sustainability and health care requirements. As will be explained, this research is based on quantitative and qualitative mixed-methods of enquiry and data collection including surveying the views of groups of professionals from ten representative small healthcare providers. These groups of participants (representing the main stakeholders) included administrative staff and medical doctors, nurses and practitioners, and unskilled operational staff. Based on empirical interview survey data obtained from these groups, a parametric model of an infectious waste management system (IWMS) has been developed in order to identify the relevant parameters and constituent variables underpinning the effectiveness of the system. This model of an IWMS has seven important functional parameters, namely: (1) planning and design of the system, (2) administration and policy, (3) individual departmental procedures, (4) sustainable, infectious waste disposal methods, (5) periodic and monitoring and control, (6) commonly used products and equipment, and (7) prevailing cultural and social norms. It is supported by detailed empirical data of which a relevant sample will be presented and discussed. It will be shown that the systems design approach, along with related empirical investigations (inclusive of stakeholder views) can lead to improvements in the design and operation of infectious waste management systems for small health care providers in NE Thailand.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication1st ICDI, International Conference on Design and Innovation 2012: Sustainable Ground
    EditorsDr Zainab Binti Ngaini, Dr Hjh Nazlina Shaari, Dr Rabaah Tudin, Dr Ismail Jusuh Dr Ng Giap Weng
    Place of PublicationMalaysia
    PublisherInstitute of Design and Innovation (INDI)
    Pages264-275
    Number of pages12
    Volume1
    ISBN (Print)9789671156704
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    Event1st ICDI 2012, International Conference of Design and Innovation 2012: Sustainable Ground - Sarawak, Malaysia
    Duration: 7 Nov 20128 Nov 2012

    Conference

    Conference1st ICDI 2012, International Conference of Design and Innovation 2012: Sustainable Ground
    Country/TerritoryMalaysia
    CitySarawak
    Period7/11/128/11/12

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