Waste Management Minimization Strategies in Hospitals

Waste Management Minimization Strategies in Hospitals by Andrea L. Clark MSW, University of Houston, 1993 BSW, The Ohio State University, 1981 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2018 Abstract During the delivery of healthcare services, hospital employees use enormous amounts of water, energy, and nonbiodegradable carcinogenic plastics. In the U.S., hospital staff generate an average of over 7,000 tons of waste per day at an average cost of $0.28 per pound for the disposal of regulated medical trash, which if efficiently managed or reduced, could result in substantial cost savings. Using the organizational learning and the transaction cost economics theories as the conceptual frameworks, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore strategies healthcare leaders used to minimize their waste management operational costs. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with 4 managers at a healthcare system in the Midwestern United States and reviewing financial documents as well as the participants’ hospital website. Based on the thematic analysis, 4 primary themes emerged: (a) engaged leadership, (b) incorporate sustainability into the mission, vision, and values of the organization, (c) create an organizational culture of sustainability, and (d) innovation. Because society’s health is largely dependent on the environment around them, these findings could assist hospital leaders in the implementation of cost-effective waste management strategies and contribute to positive social change.During the delivery of healthcare services, hospital employees use enormous amounts of water, energy, and nonbiodegradable carcinogenic plastics. In the U.S., hospital staff generate an average of over 7,000 tons of waste per day at an average cost of $0.28 per pound for the disposal of regulated medical trash, which if efficiently managed or reduced, could result in substantial cost savings. Using the organizational learning and the transaction cost economics theories as the conceptual frameworks, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore strategies healthcare leaders used to minimize their waste management operational costs. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with 4 managers at a healthcare system in the Midwestern United States and reviewing financial documents as well as the participants’ hospital website. Based on the thematic analysis, 4 primary themes emerged: (a) engaged leadership, (b) incorporate sustainability into the mission, vision, and values of the organization, (c) create an organizational culture of sustainability, and (d) innovation. Because society’s health is largely dependent on the environment around them, these findings could assist hospital leaders in the implementation of cost-effective waste management strategies and contribute to positive social change. Waste Management Minimization Strategies in Hospitals by Andrea L. Clark MSW, University of Houston, 1993 BSW, The Ohio State University, 1981 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2018 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to the two most important men in my life, my husband Mike and my father, Walter Knopp, M.D. Without my husband’s encouragement, patience, and emotional support, I would not have had the strength to persevere. Although my father passed away before the completion of my doctoral journey, I will forever be grateful for his love, guidance, patience, generosity, and the pride he always had in me. Without his support throughout my life, I would never have had the courage to pursue my goals. Dad, I miss you very much and wish you could have been here, so I could thank you in person. Acknowledgments Throughout the last 2 years of my doctoral journey Dr. Steve Roussas has been extremely supportive and compassionate, encouraging me to press on through the difficult life events along the way. I am grateful that I was fortunate enough to have you as my chair and for the guidance you provided me. I would also like to thank my committee members Dr. David Moody and Dr. Scott Burrus, for your review, comments, and suggestions which assisted me in writing a clear and concise document. Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge the organization that allowed me to conduct this research, particularly the CEO emeritus. The world is a better place because of leaders like you. Thank you for letting me learn from you, I am extremely grateful.