Strategic Management of Hospital Wastes Using SWOT Method: Case Study of Yazd Educational Hospitals

Inappropriate management of hospital solid wastes is a major issue in Iran that could have negative effects on human health and the environment. The purpose of this study was to assess the hospital wastes management in Yazd educational hospitals by identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and to provide strategic management plans using SWOT method. This work is an applied-developmental research based on the research goals and its research methodology is a mixed (survey and descriptive- analytical) method. The research was performed by completion of a checklist, field inspection, and interviews with the health professionals and administrators of the educational hospitals of Yazd city from October 2012 to March 2013. Internal and external matrices were used for analysis and SWOT method for codification of strategies. To improve waste management in the hospitals based on SWOT matrix; SO, ST, WO and WT guidelines should be put in the priority. Hospital wastes strategic management plans (HWSMP) related to the SO strategy emphasize on paying special attention to: all the provisions of hospital wastes management regulation, environmental standards, allocation of adequate fund for recycling process, applicable research in the field of solid waste, short term monitoring to ensure the accuracy of wastes management performance, and regular training courses on the methods of hospital wastes management. The findings of this research showed that the SO strategy with focusing on maximization of the internal strengths and utilization of external opportunities should be set as a top priority for hospital wastes management in Yazd city to improve the quality of health services.