Noise levels in a pediatric intensive care unit: an observational and correlational study

Abstract

Aim: To measure noise levels in a pediatric intensive care customer unit and discuss the consequences of such noise in relation to professional actions. Method: This is an observational and correlational study, performed in the pediatric intensive care unit of a federal hospital in Rio de Janeiro. We measured the noise level by decibel DEC-460 for five non-consecutive days and nights at five different hours. After a descriptive analysis of data, we performed a study of linear regression. Results: We identified an average of 62.64 dBA, with a standard deviation of 6.893 dBA and peak of 82.5 dBA during the daytime. The linear regression found that 44% of the variability of the noise is explained by the covariables. Discussion: The noise levels identified exceed recommendations of national and international organizations. We identified the professional actions and interactions as the main sources of noise. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to rethink this environment and establish educational strategies for noise reduction, making it safer and healthier.

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

“…In our study, the highest level of noise (84 dB‐A) was recorded in the nurses’ station of the four‐patient bed ICU. In an observational study aimed to determine the noise levels in a PICU, the noise level in the nurses’ station reached 82.5 dB‐A, the highest of all noise sources (Oliveira et al., , p. 435). 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 an observational study aimed to determine the noise levels in a PICU, the noise level in the nurses’ station reached 82.5 dB‐A, the highest of all noise sources (Oliveira et al., , p. 435). 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, ).…”

“…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., ).…”

“…Intensive care units (ICUs) are highly specific areas where patients who require multidisciplinary care receive their treatment. With the rapidly advancing medical technology, ICUs become more crowded with devices, equipment, and various healthcare personnel, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and dieticians (Oliveira et al., ). As a result, noise in ICUs increases dramatically, which in turn causes negative physical and mental effects on both the patients and the personnel (Choiniere, ; Hsu, Ryherd, Waye, & Ackerman, ; Juang, Lee, Yang, & Chang, ; Konkani & Oakley, ).…”

Demandas De Atenção Do Enfermeiro Em Unidade De Terapia Intensiva Neonatal, Pediátrica E Geral

“…Alguns estudos identificaram a terapia intensiva como ambiente de cuidado ruidoso (6,(9)(10)(11)(12) , indicando a necessidade de redução do ruído na perspectiva de tornar esse ambiente mais saudável e seguro para todos que atuam no cenário de terapia intensiva (13)(14)(15)(16) .…”