Noise in the Intensive Care Unit (Icu) (original) (raw)
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Noise in hospital intensive care units—a critical review of a critical topic
Journal of Critical Care, 2012
The aims of the study were to examine the studies related to hospital noise in intensive care units (ICUs) to understand the sources and effects of noise and to describe best practices and common problems in the varying methods commonly applied to reduce the noise level. Materials and Methods: The ISI Web of Knowledge and PubMed were used to search original research articles to obtain articles related to hospital ICU noise analysis. Result: This review article analyzes the 29 extant studies related to noise in ICUs. Conclusion: Significant opportunities exist to improve methodologies to study noise levels to reduce noise in hospital ICUs. Many previous studies have used inconsistent methodologies with poorly defined parameters that make it difficult to compare results. Our work points out common pitfalls in the recording and sharing of hospital acoustic parameters and also points to the paucity of important economic considerations in extant studies. These results can be helpful for future research in this area. Many past salutary interventions-including educational noise reduction programs, behavioral modification using sound detection equipment, and low-as well as high-cost environmental alterations-do not generally appear to be adequate to minimize noise to levels for hospital rooms specified by international agencies. But a potentially important clue for future work involves the finding that as the number of patients and staff of the ICU increases, noise levels appear to also increase.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020
Noise generated in the intensive care unit (ICU) adversely affects both critically ill patients and medical staff. Recently, several attempts have been made to reduce ICU noise levels, but reliable and effective solutions remain elusive. This study aimed to provide evidence on noise distributions in the ICU to protect patient health. For one week, we measured noise levels in isolated rooms, open units, and nursing stations in medical, surgical, and pediatric ICUs, respectively. We additionally analyzed the noise generated by medical equipment that is frequently used in ICUs. The median (interquartile range) noise exposure level (dBA) of all ICU units was 54.4 dB (51.1–57.5) over 24 h. The highest noise exposure was noted in the surgical ICU’s daytime open unit at 57.6 dB (55.0–61.1). Various ICU medical devices continuously generated low-frequency noise. Mechanical noise levels ranged from a minimum of 41 dB to a maximum of 91 dB. It was also confirmed that patient-monitoring device...
Noise levels in a general intensive care unit: a descriptive study
Nursing in Critical Care, 2007
The aim of this small-scale study was to measure, analyse and compare levels of acoustic noise, in a nine-bedded general intensive care unit (ICU). Measurements were undertaken using the Norsonic 116 sound level meter recording noise levels in the internationally agreed 'A' weighted scale. Noise level data were obtained and recorded at 5 min over 3 consecutive days. Results of noise level analysis indicated that mean noise levels within this clinical area was 56Á42 dB(A), with acute spikes reaching 80 dB(A). The quietest noise level attained was that of 50 dB(A) during sporadic intervals throughout the 24-h period. Parametric testing using analysis of variance found a positive relationship (p 0Á001) between the nursing shifts and the day of the week. However, Scheffe multiple range testing showed significant differences between the morning shift, and the afternoon and night shifts combined (p 0Á05). There was no statistical difference between the afternoon and night shifts (p ! 0Á05). While the results of this study may seem self-evident in many respects, what it has highlighted is that the problem of excessive noise exposure within the ICU continues to go unabated. More concerning is that the prolonged effects of excessive noise exposure on patients and staff alike can have deleterious effect on the health and well-being of these individuals.
Evaluating the Noise level at Qazvin University Hospital’s Intensive Care Units
Biotechnology and Health Sciences, 2015
Background: Noise at Intensive Care Units (ICU) has an adverse effect on patients and ICU staff. There are some evidences that sleep, recovery from critical illness and average background noise in hospitals as recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) should not exceed 30 A-weighted decibel (dBA) and peaks during night time should be less than 40 dBA. This survey was conducted to measure noise levels and their relationship with the time of the day and location in the ICU. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure noise levels and evaluate their relationship with time of day and location in the ICU. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in a public university hospital, namely Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. Noise levels were measured with SLM Sound level meter (model: Tes-1443) during 24 hours with the equivalent sound level (LEQ), maximum (Max) and peak sound pressure based on the ISO 9612.this tool can measure in the range of 30 to 110 dB dynamic network. While frequency A, fast time scale networks with 125 ms fast response microphones were selected. This method says that measuring point must have distance 1.5 meter from the wall at a height of 1.25 m above ground level. At the bedside of patients measurement done by 3 TES model 1353 H Tool by a Taiwanese company. Results: This survey showed that the Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) in ICU was much higher than the standard level. The Maximum Sound Level (Lmax) in most places was 84-89 dBA and just in one measurement in the Internal ICU reached 90 dB. The average level of Leq in ICU was 70 dB. Conclusions: Equivalent noise level and Noise Criteria in ward remarkably exceeds the standards levels. This condition will be produce Dangerous circumstances for admitted patients in ward.
Identification and Modification of Environmental Noise in an ICU Setting
Chest, 1998
Study objectives: Noise levels in the hospital setting are exceedingly high, especially in the ICU environment. We set out to determine what caused the noises producing sound peaks >80 A-weighted decibels (dBA) in our ICU settings, and attempted to reduce the number of sound peaks >80 dBA through a behavior modification program. Design: The study was divided into two separate phases: noise identification and a trial of behavior modification. During the noise identification phase we simultaneously recorded sound peaks and the loudest noise heard subjectively by one observer in the medical ICU (MICU) and the respiratory ICU (RICU). During the behavior modification phase of the study we implemented a behavior modification program, geared toward noise reduction, in all of the MICU staff. Sound levels were monitored before and at the end of the behavior modification trial. Setting: The MICU and RICU of a 720-bed teaching hospital in Providence, RI. Participants: All ICU staff during the study period. Interventions: Once the noises that were determined to be amenable to behavior modification were identified, a behavior modification program was conducted during a 3-week period in our MICU. Baseline and post-behavior modification noise recordings were compared in 6-h intervals after sites were matched by number of patients in a room and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores. Measurements and results: We identified several causes of sound peaks >80 dBA amenable to behavior modification; television and talking accounted for 49%. We also significantly reduced the 24-h mean peak noise level (p,)1000.0؍ as well as the mean peak noise level (p)1000.0؍ and the number of sound peaks >80 dBA (p)1000.0؍ in all 6-h blocks except for the 12 AM to 6 AM period. Conclusions: We conclude that many of the noises causing sound peaks >80 dBA are amenable to behavior modification and that it is possible to reduce the noise levels in an ICU setting significantly through a program of behavior modification.
The Effectiveness of Measures Aimed at Noise Reduction in an Intensive Care Unit
Workplace Health & Safety, 2015
Noise is a significant problem for both hospitalized patients and health care workers. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of noise reduction strategies in an intensive care unit. Noise was measured in two phases. In the first phase, the unit’s present level of noise was established over 3 weeks between January 1, 2012, and February 1, 2012. During the month following initial measurements, noise reduction interventions, including staff education and physical space arrangement, were initiated, and device alarms were checked. The second phase of measurement was conducted during another 3-week period (between June 1, 2012, and July 1, 2012). The noise levels before and after noise reduction interventions were calculated as 67.6 dB-A and 56 dB-A; the difference between the two levels was statistically significant ( p < .05). The interventions were effective in reducing noise in intensive care units; the interventions are relatively easy and low cost.
Noise pollution in intensive care units: a systematic review article
Introduction: Noise pollution in hospital wards can arise from a wide range of sources including medical devices, air-conditioning systems and conversations among the staffs. Noise in intensive care units (ICUs) can disrupt patients’ sleep pattern and may have a negative impact on cognitive performance. Material and methods: In this review article, we searched through PubMed and Google Scholar, using [noise and (ICU or “intensive care unit”)] as keyword to find studies related to noise pollution in ICUs. In total, 250 studies were found among which 35 articles were included. Results: The majority of the reviewed studies showed that noise pollution levels were higher in ICUs than the level recommend by The United States Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization. Noise pollution was mostly caused by human activity and operating equipments in ICUs and other hospital wards. Conclusion: As the results indicated, identifying, monitoring and controlling noise sources, a...
Buildings
High noise levels in hospitals can affect patients’ well-being, staff productivity, and medical error rates. This study measured noise in two intensive care units (ICUs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). An occupant’s survey and a continuous field sampling were conducted in May and June 2021 in each ICU, using a T Tocas SL 1361 digital sound level meter and an online questionnaire. In GH-ICU, variations in the noise levels for the day, evening, and night-time were recorded as measuring 60.5–94.6 dBA, 61.9–90.0 dBA and 33.3–80.2 dBA respectively, while respective values of 58.8–75.5 dBA, 57–75 dBA, and 33.9–74.8 dBA were recorded for CH-ICU. The weekly noise equivalent level (Leq) of 82.8 dBA and Lden of 83.8 dBA for GH-ICU was computed, and 68.6 dBA and Lden 72.1 dBA for CH-ICU. This study found that the noise levels in both ICUs exceeded the recommended limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) for hospitals, while three-quarters of occupants expressed dissatisfaction ...
Statistical Study of Noise Levels in an Adult ICU A Case from India
International journal of biomedical research, 2015
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to observe and record the levels and sources of noise in an adult ICU. These results and observations are to form the basis of protocols to control noise levels in an ICU. These will also be treated as baseline values for comparison with results obtained in future studies to determine the effectiveness of noise reduction protocols. Methods: Average noise levels were recorded in the adult ICU of S.L. Raheja Hospital (A Fortis Associate) over a period of 10 days and 10 nights. A digital sound meter was used to record the sound levels and an average of 5 readings at the start of every hour was recorded. Along with measurements, physical observation and a literature review of recent noise studies in ICUs was also undertaken. Result: Noise levels in the ICU were found to be higher than the guideline values in accordance with most recent studies. It was observed that the major source of high noise levels was caregivers such as ward boys who tended...