基礎看護学教育課程における感染性医療廃棄物の適正処理のための教育の取り組みとその効果

The purpose of this study was to analyze the contents of the education curriculum and the actual knowledge and experience regarding the appropriate treatment of infectious medical waste by nursing students who have completed basic nursing practice, and to elucidate the effect of educational improvement.　Nursing students in their third year who have completed basic nursing practice are relatively knowledgeable in their field. However, some students have shown insufficient knowledge in the appropriate “method of cleaning urine containers. However, less than 40% of students had any practical experience in the proper use of water-repellent gowns, standard precautions and cleaning of contaminated equipment, or method of cleaning urine containers. We implemented improvements to the education on the proper treatment of infectious medical waste for second year students. Students reported better understanding with hands-on exercises for all items. Improvements to education can provide students with enough knowledge and awareness, as well as improve their attitudes toward infection prevention by exercise. Students were also able to evaluate their own progress, and that of other students, in the exercise. This educational improvement was considered a possible method to ensure that students can learn in an integrated manner regarding the proper treatment of infectious medical waste.