Improvements to healthcare waste management at regional referral hospitals in Tanzania using the KAIZEN approach

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to see how the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach can contribute to improve the management of healthcare waste (HCW) in the regional level public hospitals in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach: This study employed an explanatory case study framework and focused on improvement of HCW management by assessing the information obtained through the direct observation and systematic interviewing during the consultation visits and external hospital performance assessment (EHPA) and the self-administrated questionnaires as sources of evidence. Findings: Based on the observations, 100% adoption of the 5S approach was observed in 25 of 28 regional referral hospitals (RRHs). At these RRHs, segregation of HCW management has been improved by applying color codes and symbols for establishing self-explanatory system on proper segregation. In addition, seven out of 28 RRHs applied the KAIZEN process and reduced occurrences of improper waste segregation. Research limitations/implications: This study has the following limitations in terms of the information. The data were collected through the direct observation. Moreover, areas for the implementation of the KAIZEN vary from hospital to hospital, and only 25% of RRHs completed the KAIZEN processes for improvement of HCW management. Caveats are, therefore, needed in extrapolating the study results to other settings. Despite these caveats, the findings will provide important insights for implementing the 5S-KAIZEN approach in Tanzania and other African countries for improvement of HCW management. Originality/value: This is an original study to provide evidence about the usefulness of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach for improving HCW management in a low-income country in Africa.