[Are intensive care units (ICU) loud? Discrepancies between the perception of professionals and patients and the measurement of real noise with sound level meter].
In the hospital the WHO advises placing the noise levels between 30 and 45 dB, either rooms or halls, which would be equivalent to the sound level allowed in a library. The noise levels in units both have harmful effects on health and the evolution of the patient, and also on the workers, making it an occupational hazard. The combination of these factors affects both in the patient safety, and in the quality of our care. The aim of this project is to detect the sources of noise in an ICU, in order to establish a plan of prevention and reduction of noise and trying to get the Guideline Value recommended by WHO. Noise pollution is a major health problem.
Diplomados Universitarios en Enfermería (DUE), Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) General Polivalente, Hospital Vall d'Hebrón, Barcelona.
Mercé Revuelta
MR
Escuté
Javier Rodríguez
JR
Martínez
D000162:Acoustics; D006282:Health Personnel; D006309:Hearing; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009622:Noise; D010361:Patients; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires