Noise Sources and Levels in Intensive Care Units

KOL E., İNCE S., İlaslan E.

20th International Intensive Care Symposium, İstanbul, Turkey, 8 - 09 May 2015, pp.64

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • City: İstanbul
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.64
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

SUMMARY

Background: Noise has been an important problem for both patients and healthcare workers at hospitals.

Objectives: The study was aimed at determining noise sources and noise levels intensive care units.

Methods: Noise measurement was made using a Extech 407780 sound level meter. Measurements aimed at determining the unit’s present level of noise were made over four weeks between 01 march 2012 and 01 April 2012.

Results: During the measurements made in intensive care units, the sources of the highest recorded noises, in order, were the voices coming from the nurses’ station (84,1 dB-A) and perfusor alarm (83,2 dB-A). Additional sources of noise were the noise from the pulse oximeter alarms (81.1 dB-A), nebulizator (80,1 dB-A), monitor alarms (78. 6 dB-A), ringing phones (77,4 dB-A), infusion pump alarms (76 dB-A) and ventilator alarms (75 dB-A).

Conclusions: The major sources of noise in intensive care units are the conversations, alarm sounds of medical devices and the sounds due to care activities.