Sound source information to improve cardiothoracic patients' comfort

Area of Science:

• Healthcare acoustics
• Patient experience
• Environmental psychology

Background:

• Hospital noise is a significant issue affecting patients and staff.
• Current research focuses on noise reduction, with less attention on perceptual improvements.
• Understanding soundscapes may influence patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of sound source information (SSI) on patient perception of ward soundscapes.
• To assess the potential benefits of enhanced sound awareness for patient comfort.
• To explore a novel approach to improving the hospital auditory environment.

Main Methods:

• A pilot questionnaire-based study was conducted with 31 patients on a cardiothoracic ward.
• Patients received sound source information (SSI) about their ward's soundscape.
• Subjective patient reactions to the soundscape were measured before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention of providing sound source information (SSI) led to a 21-26% positive change in patient perception.
• This positive change in perception was statistically significant (p<0.05).
• The study, while not making strong inferences, indicated a beneficial effect of SSI.

Conclusions:

• Sound source information (SSI) can positively influence patients' subjective experience of hospital soundscapes.
• This simple intervention may help patients feel more comfortable in healthcare settings.
• Findings suggest potential applications for SSI in nursing practice to improve patient care and environment.