INVESTIGATING THE LEVEL OF EFFECTIVENESS OF CLINICAL GOVERNANCE EFFORTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CLINICAL WASTES IN HOSPITALS IN JOS METROPOLIS, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the level of effectiveness in clinical governance efforts in the management of clinical wastes in hospitals in Jos metropolis, Plateau State. Data were collected from three tertiary, two secondary and one primary health institutions and analysed. Simple frequency counts and percentages were used to discuss the data. Results of analysis indicated that health workers in health institutions in Jos have a high level of awareness of clinical wastes and the risks they pose to human health and environmental safety. However, there is a high level of ineffectiveness in clinical governance concerning clinical wastes. About 67% of health workers who participated in the research indicated they have had accidents with clinical wastes especially sharp objects. Most respondents also claimed that upwards of five persons reported accidents with clinical wastes in the hospitals on a weekly basis. Also about 86% of respondents are not aware of or familiar with the clinical waste management plan of the hospitals they work at. Clinical wastes are also disposed of by non-medical professionals, cleaners and ward attendants, who generally have the least education and training to handle such hazardous materials. A large amount of the wastes are also disposed of at the municipal landfill or buried within the hospital grounds, which have serious implications for environmental safety. About 77% of respondents also observed that containers for clinical waste disposals are either damaged or inadequate. These issues point to ineffective clinical governance in regards of clinical wastes. The study recommends adequate and regular training of staff in the best practices of clinical wastes handling.