Systematic application of green cleaning in Sri Lankan healthcare sector

Abstract

Extensive use of complex cleaning chemicals and disinfectants in the healthcare industry has raised concern over the effectiveness of conventional cleaning in creating a safe and healthy environment. The increasing rate of adverse respiratory and dermatological illnesses among healthcare custodians has emerged the need for effective yet safer cleaning alternatives. Green cleaning was introduced in the 1980s as a substitution for conventional cleaning. Green cleaning denotes methods and products of cleaning, which incorporated environmental friendly ingredients designed to preserve human health and environmental quality. Even though there is rapid adoption of green cleaning in developed countries, developing countries seem to fall behind in shifting to green cleaning. However, ad hoc green cleaning practices are incorporating in the Sri Lankan healthcare sector. This research focuses on investigating the systematic application of green cleaning in the Sri Lankan healthcare sector. A qualitative research approach has been undertaken to pursue the research aim. A comprehensive literature synthesis was carried out to review the green cleaning concept. Expert interviews were conducted among cleaning related personals of both private and government healthcare facilities and the collected data was analysed through content analysis techniques. It was affirmed that green cleaning ad hoc practices are higher compared to the systematic practices. This reveals the possibility of integrating green cleaning into Sri Lankan healthcare sector. However, the need for a collaborative effort from the green cleaning stakeholders was proven. Green cleaning strategies encompassing educational, management, government and market conditions are identified. Improving the awareness, top management commitment, government policies and regulations, improved marketing and custodian's positive attitudes are some identified strategies that could be applied to overcome the barriers.