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Summary of Best Evidence for Noise Management in Neonatal Wards
Qiaoqing Xie1, Rongdan Li1, Mei Luo1
1The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Insights
Effective noise management in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is crucial for infant well-being. This evidence summary offers a framework for developing localized protocols to improve the acoustic environment and support infant development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Environmental health
- Evidence-based practice
Background:
- Neonatal wards are often noisy environments.
- Excessive noise negatively impacts neonates' physiological stability and neurodevelopment.
- Standardized noise management protocols are needed in NICUs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically retrieve, evaluate, and synthesize evidence on noise management in neonatal wards.
- To establish a foundation for effective noise control practices.
- To provide guidance for clinical practice and bridge the evidence-practice gap.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search using the "6S" evidence pyramid model across multiple sources.
- Inclusion of guidelines, evidence summaries, expert consensuses, and systematic reviews.
- Quality appraisal and independent data extraction and synthesis by two researchers.
Main Results:
- Sixteen publications were synthesized, yielding 33 pieces of best evidence.
- Evidence categorized into noise sources, measurement, threshold levels, reduction interventions, and clinical effects.
- Key domains identified for comprehensive noise management strategies.
Conclusions:
- A scientifically rigorous evidence summary for neonatal ward noise management is presented.
- Localized, evidence-based implementation plans are recommended for successful application.
- Improved acoustic environments are expected to enhance neonatal outcomes, including physiological stability and neurodevelopment.
Aim:
This study aimed to retrieve, evaluate, and synthesize the best available evidence on noise management in neonatal wards to establish a foundational basis for implementing effective noise control practices.
Methods:
Guided by the "6S" evidence pyramid model, a systematic search was performed across multiple sources including clinical decision support systems, guideline repositories, professional websites, and major databases up to April 12, 2025. Literature types encompassed guidelines, evidence summaries, expert consensuses, and systematic reviews. Following quality appraisal, two researchers independently extracted and synthesized the evidence.
Results:
Sixteen publications were included: one guideline, six evidence summaries, six systematic reviews, and three expert consensuses. From these, 33 pieces of best evidence were synthesized and categorized into five key domains: noise sources, measurement techniques, threshold levels, reduction interventions, and clinical effects of noise.
Conclusions:
This work provides a scientifically rigorous and comprehensive evidence summary for neonatal ward noise management, offering valuable guidance for clinical practice. Successful application requires adaptation to local contexts. Developing tailored, evidence-based implementation plans is recommended to bridge the evidence-practice gap and enhance neonatal outcomes.
Implications For Clinical Practice:
Given neonates' heightened vulnerability, standardized noise management in the NICU is crucial. This summary provides clinicians with a robust, evidence-based framework to develop localized protocols. Its implementation is expected to improve the acoustic environment, thereby promoting physiological stability, supporting neurodevelopment, and reducing noise-related complications.
Reporting Method:
This evidence summary followed the reporting specifications of the Fudan University Center for Evidence-Based Nursing (Joanna Briggs Institute methodology) and was registered (ES20257726).
Patient Or Public Contribution:
No Patient or Public Contribution.
