NeoSTRESS: Study of Transfer and Retrieval Environmental StressorS upon neonates via a smartphone application – Sound

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to measure sound exposure during neonatal retrieval, determine whether this varied with mode of transport, and compare noise exposure to recommended levels in neonatal intensive care units. We also aimed to assess the acceptability of using a smartphone application to measure sound. Setting: Neonatal retrieval service in Brisbane, Australia. Methods The Physics Toolbox Sensor Suite application was installed on a Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone and calibrated for sound measurement. Data were collected during outbound, non‐patient legs of 45 retrievals – 25 road, 11 fixed wing aircraft and 9 rotary aircraft journeys. Data were saved to cloud storage, then analysed using PostgreSQL database. Results The median sound level was 83 dB (interquartile range 66–91; range 27–≥97 dB). Continuous equivalent sound (Leq) was 90 dB across all journeys. Rotary transport was loudest (Leq 94 dB). Fixed wing (Leq 89 dB) and road (Leq 87 dB) journeys also resulted in significant sound exposure. Sound exceeded recommended levels (45 dB) for 99% of all journey time, regardless of the mode of transport. Conclusions Neonates encounter harmful sound levels during retrieval – louder than recommended levels for 99% of all retrieval time. Sounds levels were highest in rotary aircraft transport compared to fixed wing or road transport. It is feasible to use a calibrated smartphone application instead of a sound metre.

Neonatal retrievals from a regional centre: Outcomes, missed opportunities and barriers to back transfer

“…6 It also involves significant exposure to light and sound exceeding recommended neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) levels. 7,8 Furthermore, retrieval of neonates impacts parental psychosocial health and can adversely affect early parent-neonate bonding due to the separation of neonate and parents. 9 Also, aeromedical retrieval of neonates is a resourceintensive process with an estimated cost of approximately $AUD 7000 per retrieval.…”

“…Although retrievals are known to improve the quality of care in an unwell preterm neonate, it has been noted that there is a high incidence of adverse events in retrieved neonates in terms of respiratory and haemodynamic emergencies, hypothermia and hypoglycaemia 6 . It also involves significant exposure to light and sound exceeding recommended neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) levels 7,8 . Furthermore, retrieval of neonates impacts parental psychosocial health and can adversely affect early parent‐neonate bonding due to the separation of neonate and parents 9 .…”

Newborn Incubators Do Not Protect from High Noise Levels in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Are Relevant Noise Sources by Themselves

“…Some background noise will always be audible, but it will be interpreted differently depending on the infant's health state and genetic background. Consequently, effort should be made both to monitor and to decrease noise sources, for example via portable applications [79,80]. In addition, meaningful acoustic stimulation of preterm babies in an NICU should be increased, providing vibroacoustic enrichment by meaningful auditory stimulation and social contact with infant-directed music and parental empowerment to speak and sing for their infants [6,81].…”

Medicamentos Com Excipiente Alcoólico Administrados a Neonatos No Sistema De Saúde Brasileiro

“…Williams et al, 2018). Entre os estressores ligados diretamente aos neonatos estão as intervenções mais bruscas, o tempo dessas intervenções, as luzes presentes na UTI e o barulho dos equipamentos(Peng et al, 2009;Gilmour et al, 2020).…”