The Effectiveness of Measures Aimed at Noise Reduction in an Intensive Care Unit.
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.
Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey ekol@akdeniz.edu.tr.
Emine
E
Kol
Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
Abid
A
Demircan
Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
Abdullah
A
Erdoğan
Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
Zehra
Z
Gencer
Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
Hakan
H
Erengin
D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000070659:Patient Comfort / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011446:Prospective Studies
device alarm; intensive care unit; noise; noise control; staff training