Title: Who will take the garbage out? The potential of information technology for clinical waste management in the NHS

Authors: N.Y. Ashry, W.A. Taylor

Addresses: University of Bradford Management Centre, Emm Lane, Bradford, BD9 4JL, England, UK. University of Bradford Management Centre, Emm Lane, Bradford, BD9 4JL, England, UK

Abstract: This paper explores the potential of Information Technology for clinical waste management in the National Heath Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom. The paper discusses the context within which hospitals operate and outlines the driving forces for an increased focus on waste management. Existing uses of IT in both healthcare and environment management fields are reviewed, especially those relating to the management of waste. The paper reports on preliminary investigations in three NHS Trusts examining the practicality of using IT in this context. Additionally, areas within this context that have not been adequately researched are identified, and it is concluded that the potential of Information Technology for clinical waste management has yet to be explored or realised.

Keywords: information systems; decision support systems; clinical waste management; hospital trusts; the NHS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2001.001105

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2001 Vol.3 No.1, pp.59-74

Published online: 30 Jun 2003 *

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