Noise pollution in the anaesthetic and intensive care environment.
Noise in the operating theatre, recovery room and intensive care unit is above internationally recommended levels. The psychological and physiological effects of noise are reviewed. Equipment and conversation among the staff are major sources of noise in these areas. Equipment design, modification of nursing care procedures, and increased awareness of noise created by the staff may be effective in reducing noise pollution in these areas.
Kam
P C
PC
Department of Anaesthetics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
Kam
A C
AC
Thompson
J F
JF
D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D009873:Operating Rooms; D011997:Recovery Room; D012892:Sleep Deprivation; D013060:Speech; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology