title: Implementation of Quiet Time for Noise Reduction on a Medical-Surgical Unit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this evidence-based investigation is to determine the efficacy of a quiet-time intervention to reduce noise in the hospital setting.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  For many reasons, noise continues to increase in the hospital setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a descriptive comparative design, using a convenience sample of hospitalized patients, 80 patients were assessed on their perceptions of noise using the Patient Survey on Noise During Hospital Stay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data revealed favorable responses to quiet time, with 70% of subjects reporting quiet-time intervention to be effective in reducing noise. Sixty percent of participants felt that 1 hour of quiet time helped to facilitate a quieter, more restful environment for the whole day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A quiet-time intervention is effective in addressing patient perception of noise while in the acute care hospital setting.
authors.affiliation: Author Affiliations: Assistant Vice President, Nursing (Dr Applebaum), and Clinical Nurse Educator (Ms Calo), Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, Somerville; and Professor (Dr Neville), School of Nursing, Kean University, Union, New Jersey.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Applebaum
authors.forename: Oriana
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Calo
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Neville
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009515:New Jersey; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012892:Sleep Deprivation / Q000209:etiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology