Behavior observation of major noise sources in critical care wards

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate the behaviour patterns of typical noise sources in critical care wards, and relate their patterns to healthcare environment in which the sources adapt themselves in several different forms. Methods An effective observation approach was designed for noise behaviour in the critical care environment. Five descriptors have been identified for the behaviour observations, namely interval, frequency, duration, perceived loudness and location. Both the single-bed and multiple-bed wards at the selected Critical Care Department were randomly observed for three inconsecutive nights, from 11:30PM to 7:00AM the following morning. The Matlab distribution fitting tool was applied afterwards to plot several types of distributions, and estimate the corresponding parameters. Results The lognormal distribution was considered to be the most appropriate statistical distribution for noise behaviours in terms of the interval and duration patterns. The turning of patients by staff was closely related to the increasing occurrences of noises. Among the observed noises, talking was identified with the highest frequency, shortest intervals and the longest durations, followed by monitor alarms. The perceived loudness of talking in the night time wards was classified into 3 levels (raised, normal and low). The majority of people engaged in verbal communication in the single-bed wards occurred around the Entrance Zone, whereas talking in the multiple-bed wards was more likely to be situated in the Staff Work Zone. As expected, more occurrences of noises along with longer duration were observed in multiple-bed wards rather than single-bed wards. 'Monitor plus ventilator alarms' was the most commonly observed combination of multiple noises.

The Effectiveness of Measures Aimed at Noise Reduction in an Intensive Care Unit

“…Thus, a quieter environment should be ensured especially at night in ICUs, in accordance with the recommendations of the WHO and the EPA. Noise levels are especially high in ICUs that have multiple patient beds, because staff conversations and monitor alarms in nurses' stations and treatment areas and during nursing interventions cause excessive noise (Xie et al, 2013).…”

The effectiveness of environmental strategies on noise reduction in a pediatric intensive care unit: Creation of single‐patient bedrooms and reducing noise sources

“…In addition to housing staff members from various professions (doctor, nurse, or auxiliary staff members), nurses’ stations are areas where medical notes, orders, and patient treatment cards are written, and where televisions and radios are often found (Oliveira et al., , p. 435). In ICUs where multiple patients are hospitalized, nurses’ stations cause a substantial amount of noise due to the daily chatter of the healthcare staff and the care‐related conversations of the nurses, doctors, and auxiliary staff related to care activities (Lawson et al., ; Oliveira et al., ; Xie, Kang, & Mills, ). A previous study showed that staff in multiple‐patient units spoke louder and held longer conversations than in single‐patient units (Xie et al., ).…”

“…In ICUs where multiple patients are hospitalized, nurses’ stations cause a substantial amount of noise due to the daily chatter of the healthcare staff and the care‐related conversations of the nurses, doctors, and auxiliary staff related to care activities (Lawson et al., ; Oliveira et al., ; Xie, Kang, & Mills, ). A previous study showed that staff in multiple‐patient units spoke louder and held longer conversations than in single‐patient units (Xie et al., ). Bailey and Timmons () showed that the noise level in a PICU increased in direct proportion to the number of staff members and devices.…”

“…Moreover, the number of these devices increases in proportion to the number of patients. A researcher determined that device alarms only occurred twice per hour in single‐patient rooms, whereas device alarms occurred 13 times per hour in multiple‐patient rooms (Xie et al., ). Staff members working ICUs have difficulty controlling these alarms, which disturb them as well as the patients.…”

Spatial traffic noise pollution assessment – A case study

“…In other words, some part of noise effects is associated with its impact on the nervous system and mental and behavioral status [15][16][17]. Li et al (2002) developed a road traffic noise prediction model based on local environmental standards, vehicle types and conditions of traffic [18].…”