Effectiveness of Self-instructional Module (SIM) on Bio-medical Waste Management in Terms of Knowledge among Staff Nurses Working in Selected Hospitals in Aurangabad, Maharashtra

The waste produced by health care organization poses threat to health and environment. The appropriate disposal of Bio-Medical Waste is the responsibility of the nursing professionals. Due to lack of awareness about bio-medical waste management among nurses it leads to threat to human and environmental health.

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of self-instructional module (SIM) on bio-medical waste management in terms of knowledge among staff nurses in selected hospital in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

The sample consisted of 120 staff nurses working in multispecialty hospitals, selected according to simple random methods. Structured questionnaire was used for this study. The data collected were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Demographic characteristics of staff nurses showed that 76.67% were in the age group of 20–30 years and 10% were above 30–40 years. (80%) were females and 20% were Males. About 36.67% were qualified as RGNM. 50% samples were working in Intensive Care Unit. 66.67% of the study subjects had experience less than 1 year and 3.39% had experience of 5 to10 years. 53.33% of the study subjects had attended workshop/seminar regarding BMWM. Findings revealed the general lack of knowledge among nurses of all cadres. After implementation of SIM the 60% nurses had excellent knowledge after the posttest. The findings also showed that there was significant relationship between pre and post test knowledge score as evidenced by the calculated t value (p < 0.05).

Result revealed the general lack of knowledge among all cadres of nurses. Post test result showed substantial gain in knowledge. Hence hospital authorities should organize training and education for the staff nurses regarding BMWM.