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Using rapid assessment to evaluate noise on an in-patient unit
Lynn M Deitrick1, Paulette Kennedy, Carol Cyriax
1Department of Community Health, Lehigh Valley Hospitaland Health Network, 17th & Chew St, PO Box 7017, Allentown, PA 18105, USA. Lynn.Deitrick@lvh.com
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
|December 19, 2008
Summary
This study used rapid assessment to identify six sources of environmental noise on a busy medical unit. The findings highlight the effectiveness of rapid assessment for evaluating clinical issues like noise pollution.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Environmental Health
- Clinical Operations
Background:
- Noise pollution is a significant environmental stressor in hospital settings.
- High-acuity medical/surgical telemetry units experience substantial environmental noise.
- Effective methods for assessing clinical problems are crucial for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a noise problem on a busy medical/surgical telemetry unit.
- To identify and categorize sources of environmental noise within the unit.
- To demonstrate the utility of rapid-assessment methodology in clinical problem evaluation.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week rapid assessment was conducted on a medical/surgical telemetry unit.
- Environmental noise sources were systematically identified and documented.
- Data collection focused on conversational, door, housekeeping, pneumatic tube station, hallway, and miscellaneous noise.
Main Results:
- Six primary sources of environmental noise were identified.
- Conversational noise, door noise, housekeeping activities, pneumatic message tube station, hallway noise, and miscellaneous noise were significant contributors.
- The study confirmed the presence of a notable noise problem.
Conclusions:
- Rapid assessment is a valuable tool for evaluating clinical issues such as environmental noise.
- Identifying specific noise sources can inform targeted interventions.
- The methodology proved effective in assessing a complex clinical problem.
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