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Striving for Optimum Noise-Decreasing Strategies in Critical Care: Initial Measurements and Observations

Timothy C Disher1, Britney Benoit, Darlene Inglis

  • 1IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Messrs Disher and Sheppard, Drs Benoit, Jangaard, Morrison, and Campbell-Yeo, and Mss Inglis, Burgess, Ellsmere, Hewitt, and Bishop); and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Mr Disher and Ms Benoit, Drs Jangaard, Morrison, and Campbell-Yeo).

The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing
|January 26, 2017
PubMed

Insights

High sound levels in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units exceed recommendations. While staff and families recognize the issue, environmental factors hinder creating a quiet care space, suggesting design changes are key.

Area of Science:

  • Healthcare acoustics
  • Pediatric critical care
  • Neonatal intensive care

Background:

  • Elevated sound levels are a concern in critical care settings.
  • Understanding sound patterns and influencing factors is crucial for patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify baseline sound levels and patterns in NICU and PICU.
  • To identify barriers and facilitators for sound reduction in these units.
  • To explore staff and parent perceptions of sound levels and their impact.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative sound measurements (24-hour and 4-hour intervals) were performed in NICU and PICU.
  • Qualitative data collection through focus groups with staff and parents.
  • Descriptive content analysis of focus group transcripts.
  • Comparison of qualitative themes with quantitative sound data.

Main Results:

  • Sound levels consistently exceeded recommended standards across measurement periods.
  • Talking was the most frequent sound event identified.
  • Key themes included the impact of critical care context, sound effects, and strategies for reduction.
  • Staff and families acknowledged the problem but perceived the environment as unsupportive of quiet.

Conclusions:

  • High ambient sound levels in NICU and PICU are a significant issue.
  • Environmental and equipment design decisions are critical for substantial sound reduction.
  • L10 and Lmax metrics are recommended for evaluating behavioral interventions aimed at noise reduction.

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