The Impact of an Optimised Environmental Noise Management Protocol on Sleep Quality and Fatigue in Patients with...

This study aimed to examine the effects of an optimised environmental noise management protocol on sleep quality and fatigue levels in patients with colorectal cancer.

A retrospective analysis was conducted. Patients admitted before the implementation of the optimised protocol (January 2023 to December 2023, receiving conventional noise management) were assigned to the conventional care group ( n  = 63). Those admitted after implementation (January 2024 to December 2024, receiving optimised environmental noise management) were assigned to the optimised management group ( n  = 64). A comparison was made between the two groups regarding noise decibel levels (daytime and nighttime), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), fatigue (Cancer Fatigue Scale [CFS]) and comfort status (General Comfort Questionnaire [GCQ]).

The optimised management group demonstrated significantly lower noise decibel levels during daytime and nighttime compared with the conventional care group ( P < 0.05). Significantly reduced scores were observed in all PSQI domains and the global PSQI score in the optimised management group ( P < 0.05). Similarly, scores across all domains of the CFS and its total score significantly decreased in this group ( P < 0.05). Conversely, scores for all domains of the GCQ and its total score were significantly elevated in the optimised management group ( P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between noise decibel levels and PSQI ( r > 0, P < 0.05) and CFS scores ( r > 0, P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between noise decibel levels and GCQ scores ( r < 0, P < 0.05).

Implementing an optimised environmental noise management protocol can effectively reduce noise levels in patient care units, thereby improving sleep quality, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall patient comfort during hospitalisation.