“Four Joints of Power” Innovation of Community Involvement in Medical Waste Management of Bed-Bound Patients in Thailand

This study aims to encourage innovative participation in the management of medical waste by bedridden patients in the research region of Khon Sawan, Chaiaphum Province, through research and development. The steps were as follows: Phase 1: Study of bedridden patient waste management situations using the amount of waste generated through innovation with relatives, non-relatives, village health volunteers (VHVs), and community leaders. Phase 2: Developing creative waste management engagement requires two steps: (1) analyzing the problem or its cause and generating management alternatives through collaborative brainstorming with a community member and (2) gathering the thoughts and suggestions of a number of agency specialists. The outcome is a novel model of participation in waste management by bedridden patients termed “Four Joins of Power,” which includes (1) participatory activities and enhancing community knowledge and attitudes, and (2) providing information on the management of each type of waste. (3) cooperation in waste management (analytical thinking, planning, execution, etc.) and regulation by mutually agreed-upon rules. (4) joint expansion of the waste management network: Phase 3 is the innovation trial, and Phase 4 is the innovation assessment. The paired t-test was used to compare pre-and post-development knowledge and attitudes, and to conduct qualitative data analysis. In Phase 3, after implementing collaborative innovations, the average knowledge (X¯ = 13.23) and attitudes (X¯ = 4.14) regarding waste management increased considerably (p < 0.05), and in Phase 4, waste management behavior comprising sorting, storage, and disposal was observed. There were progressively substantial gains (X¯ = 4.25 and X¯ = 4.27). Among the most collaborative participants, 93.50% were satisfied. To reduce the amount of waste that must be sorted and collected, it is necessary to emphasize the participation of people and networks from all sectors in the area through joint thinking, planning, and comprehensive analysis, to ensure the sustainability of waste management in the community.