Effect of environmental changes on noise in the NICU.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of changes in the NICU environment on sound levels.


METHODS
A prospective quasi-experimental design evaluated sound levels in a 43-bed NICU. Decibel levels were monitored utilizing a data-logging dosimeter for 24 hours weekly over 12 months. Sound levels were also measured inside four different incubator models.


METHODS
Forty-four 24-hour decibel recordings were obtained in one of eight randomly selected four-bed pods. In addition, a single 1-hour recording was obtained in four different models of vacant incubators.


METHODS
Ambient sound levels.


RESULTS
Decibel levels were analyzed to identify changes in noise levels following alterations in the NICU environment. Installation of motion-sensing motorized paper towel holders significantly increased levels at beds closest to the towel dispensers, as did thetrial of a new communication system. Decibel levels in four different incubators revealed varying noise levels. This study suggests that all environmental changes must be monitored to ensure that they reduce rather than increase noise levels.
Brandon
Debra H
DH
Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC 27710, USA. debra.brandon@duke.edu
Ryan
Donna J
DJ
Barnes
Angel H
AH
D000162:Acoustics; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006747:Hospital Communication Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007186:Incubators, Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D009622:Noise / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009657:North Carolina; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D013018:Sound Spectrography; D013997:Time Factors