Simulation-Based Medical Waste Training for Palliative Caregivers

Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach that provides support and treatment services by involving patients and their families in the care process to manage symptoms in patients with serious chronic illnesses, incurable diseases, and conditions associated with high morbidity. Beyond controlling the primary disease, palliative care aims to address the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs arising from serious illnesses while maintaining patients' hope, preserving their dignity, and respecting their autonomy. Palliative care services encompass support, communication, information, and education within a holistic approach. In this context, educational interventions are planned according to the circumstances and needs of patients and their caregivers. Furthermore, education is provided to improve caregivers' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills to ensure continuity of care following hospital discharge. Therefore, caregivers must possess adequate knowledge and skills to fulfil their supportive roles in patient care.

Caregivers who lack adequate education and skills may contribute to various risks during the care process. One such risk is the improper management of medical waste generated during patient care. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises that the safe management of medical waste is a fundamental component of healthcare services. Medical waste includes waste generated during healthcare delivery that may pose risks to human health and the environment. Improper segregation and management of medical waste may lead to the spread of infections, sharps injuries, and environmental contamination. These risks may affect patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals within the care environment. Therefore, medical waste must be appropriately classified at the point of generation, collected using suitable methods, and disposed of safely. In this regard, not only healthcare professionals but also caregivers involved in patient care must have sufficient knowledge of appropriate medical waste management practices.

Caregivers assume responsibilities not only during patients' hospitalisation but also throughout the subsequent care and treatment process. This increases the importance of caregivers' knowledge and practical skills in patient care. Consequently, healthcare professionals have important responsibilities in identifying caregivers' needs and providing appropriate education and information. One of these responsibilities is educating caregivers about proper medical waste management and safe waste segregation. However, educational approaches based solely on theoretical knowledge may be insufficient to achieve the desired behavioural changes. Therefore, supporting theoretical education with simulation-based training methods is important.

Simulation-based training is an educational method based on the realistic reproduction of real-life situations. This method provides participants with opportunities to experience how acquired knowledge can be applied in real-life settings. In addition to supporting the development of knowledge, skills, and behaviours, simulation-based training contributes to the improvement of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Previous studies on medical waste management have demonstrated that educational interventions provided to healthcare professionals improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding medical waste management. However, no studies have been identified in the literature examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of caregivers who support patients during palliative care in relation to medical waste management. This highlights the need to identify and address caregivers' educational needs regarding medical waste management. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of simulation-based training on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of palliative care caregivers regarding medical waste management.