The effectiveness of environmental strategies on noise reduction in a pediatric intensive care unit: Creation of single-patient bedrooms and reducing noise sources

KOL E., AYDIN P., DURSUN O.

JOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING, vol.20, no.3, pp.210-217, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 20 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/jspn.12116
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.210-217
  • Keywords: Noise control, noise source, pediatric intensive care, single-patient room, ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENT, QUIET TIME, SOUND, DESIGN, ROOM
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

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.

PurposeNoise 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.