JOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING, cilt.20, sa.3, ss.210-217, 2015 (SCI-Expanded)
Abstract
Purpose. Noise is a substantial problem for both patients and healthcare
workers in hospitals. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of
environmental strategies (creating single-patient rooms and reducing noise
sources) in noise reduction in a pediatric intensive care unit.
Design and Methods. Noise measurement in the unit was conducted in
two phases. In the first phase, measurements aimed at determining the
unit’s present level of noise were performed over 4 weeks in December
2013. During the month following the first measurement phase, the intensive
care unit (ICU) was moved to a new location and noise-reducing strategies
were implemented. The second phase, in May 2014, measured noise
levels in the newly constructed environment.
Results. The noise levels before and after environmental changes were
statistically significant at 72.6 dB-A and 56 dB-A, respectively (p < .05).
Practice Implications. Single-patient rooms and noise-reducing strategies
can be effective in controlling environmental noise in the ICU.