Important Perspectives on Healthcare Challenges for Professionals and Consumers
Recently, Stericycle conducted its third annual survey of healthcare providers and administrators in the U.S. to better understand how safety and standards in the environment of care can impact the quality of care delivered as well as the effects of the changing footprint of the healthcare system on the environment. Consumers were also surveyed to gain insights on their perceptions of care and safety.
Download the Healthcare Workplace Safety Trend Report to:
- Uncover healthcare workers’ perspectives on their working environments
- Discover consumers’ feelings on the impact medical waste management has on their care
- Learn why healthcare workers believe the continuing growth of at-home care will present safety challenges
- Gain access to valuable recommendations to address areas of improvement
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Fast Facts
Based on in-depth 2023 survey data and analysis of U.S. healthcare providers and administrators, as well as consumers, the Healthcare Workplace Safety Trend Report reveals crucial insights on their perspectives on health and safety in clinical and home environments.
Stress Levels Have Decreased as the Height of the Pandemic Passes, But Remain High
While negative feelings from HCPs have decreased since 2021, they are still remarkably high as we continue to face new COVID-19 variants. Sixty-three percent of the HCPs surveyed said they are exhibiting negative feelings (e.g., “Stressed”, “Burnt-out”, “Exhausted”) at work, and only a quarter of HCPs feel “Safe” in their roles. Forty-four percent of the HCPs surveyed are feeling worse about their level of day-to-day stress than the previous year.
Amidst an Opioid Epidemic, Drug Diversion Requires Proactive Measures
Alongside a worsening opioid epidemic, 95% of the HCPs surveyed believe that many healthcare consumers keep their leftover prescription drugs for future use and don’t know how to properly dispose of them (93%). Many consumers are not as familiar with the dangers of drug diversion or its impact on the opioid epidemic, with just 77% of respondents saying that drug diversion puts the community at risk, compared to 92% of HCPs.
Proper Disposal of Medical Waste is Essential but Misunderstood
While 95% of the HCPs surveyed agree that improper disposal of medical waste puts the physical safety of HCP workers at risk, only 33% strongly agree that they have a solid understanding of how their organization handles this type of waste. Improper handling and disposal are recognized as major concerns, which can negatively impact both the safety of workers and patients, but a shortage of personnel is hindering the possibility of top-quality care.
Risks to the Environment Cannot Be Overlooked
Over 90% of the HCPs surveyed agree that improper medical/biohazardous waste management can harm the environment and/or have long-lasting impacts on health and well-being. Despite recognizing the harmful impacts on the environment, 37% of the HCPs said they do not believe their organizations are doing enough to reduce those impacts. Many do not believe their organizations have innovative practices (60%) or enough staff and monetary resources for proper regulated medical/biohazardous waste disposal (59%).
The Rise of At-Home Care Continues to Create New Challenges for Healthcare Workers
Nearly all HCPs surveyed agree that at-home care settings introduce new challenges for proper disposal of pharmaceutical and medical waste and the ability to provide the best care. Unhygienic conditions, entering/working alone, and in-home violence are seen as the three biggest risks to HCP worker safety in at-home care settings.
