Staff solutions for noise reduction in the workplace

A comprehensive noise-reduction project was initiated in response to low patient-satisfaction scores on an inpatient neuroscience unit at St Luke's Hospital and Health Network. The effects of noise on the health of patients and staff provided additional rationale for the project.

The performance-improvement model of Plan, Do, Check, Act, along with a literature review, was used to identify the negative effects of noise on patients and staff. Baseline decibel (dB) readings were obtained in ongoing data collection six times a day. Preproject and postproject patient surveys were completed. Comparisons of patient-satisfaction scores related to noise level were completed before and after staff education.

Before project initiation, dB readings were found to be well above the hospital environment recommendations. Initial pre-education readings were as high as 78.1 dB; standard recommended levels are 40 dB. In April 2008, before project initiation, patient-satisfaction scores ranked in the second percentile in the Press Ganey large hospital grouping. Postproject scores rose to the 95th percentile by July 2008.