Hospital noise can affect patient safety
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
December 12, 2005
Hospitals are noisier then they used to be, and a new study suggests that the noise is impeding the healing process for patients. It could also create more chances for medical errors, as medical staff strain to hear each other over the din, according to an article on www.livescience.com.
<P>The Johns Hopkins study found that the average noise level of hospitals has increased by 15 decibels, from 57 in 1960 to 72 today. At night, sound levels average 60 decibels. With some alarms and other short events, the noise level can spike upwards to 113 decibels, the same as a jackhammer.
<P>According to the study, the constant noise disturbs patients while they try to sleep. Since much of the noise falls in the speaking register of most people, staff must yell to be heard over the noise. That increases the likelihood of miscommunication and can lead to errors, according to the study.
<P>Some suggestions to combat increased noise includes using sound-proofing tiles wrapped in anti-bacterial fabric in patient rooms, using cushioning in chart holders outside patient rooms, and closing patient room doors. Lowering the volume of alarms in the room and creating a redundant alarm at the nurses' station can also reduce noise.
<P>To read the complete report, click <A HRE="herehttp://www.livescience.com/othernews/051121_noisy_hospitals.html">here</A>.
