Environmental sustainability in medication processes performed in hospital nursing care

摘要

Objective Sustainable actions performed by the nursing team in an intensive care unit during medication processes were examined, after which interventions were proposed to improve environmental sustainability in the hospital setting. Methods Before and after study, using the Lean Six Sigma methodology applied in an intensive care unit. The sample was comprised of 648 medication processes performed by the nursing team. The data was collected via observation routes and analyzed quantitatively. Results The post-intervention results included: reduction of materials such as plastic bags (37.1%), reduction of hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs (67.1%), increased removal of labels from plastic bags to be recycled (146.9%) and proper waste disposal (32.2%), with a statistically significant difference (p a?¤0.05). Conclusion The intervention strategies implemented, based on an analysis of the problem, validation and prioritization of the actions had a positive influence on reduction, recycling and proper disposal of waste with benefits for the institution, environment and human health.