Hospitals Implement Noise Policies to Help Patients

Hospitals are meant to quiet paragons of rest for the ill. However, as anyone who has ever stayed in a hospital knows, this is not always the case. While hospitals have done a good job of minimizing flagrant noise like jackhammers or radios, even the everyday noises are detrimental. Based upon patient feedback and scientific studies, hospitals are hoping that by further minimizing the noise in their facility, they can maximize patient recovery and satisfaction.

Modeled after an initiative begun by Montefiore Medical Center in New York, many hospitals have adopted the slogan Shhh, which stands for Silent Hospitals Help Healing. Patient satisfaction surveys have indicated that patients find everyday hospital noise to be annoying. While any sound can be classified as noise if it is annoying, most complaints regarding hospital noise center around employees socializing and medical equipment alarms. Numerous studies have found that being in an agitated or stressed state because of noise, will interfere will the recovery process of a patient. As cited in a 2004 article in the American Journal of Nursing entitled Noise Control- A nursing team's approach to sleep promotion, noise can cause sleep disturbances and create anxiety and doubt regarding the care a patient is receiving. Therefore, noise reduction has found its place as part of an overall treatment plan.

But how does one accomplish noise reduction? First, employees can be educated regarding the effects of noise on ill patients. Management then can work with employees to find better processes that allow communications but does not affect patient care. Closing patient room doors is another useful technique to reduce the affect of noise on patients. Nurses should be taught to ask patients if they mind having their doors closed. They should explain to patients that by closing their doors they may be able to rest more comfortably. By explaining the procedures patients will feel cared for and will understand why the door is being shut.

Maintenance services should conduct an audit of nursing units to identify noisy equipment that could be made quieter. Small measures like greasing squeaky litter wheels or adding rubber stoppers to prevent doors from slamming can really make for a much quieter environment of care. Medical equipment with automatic alarms should be set to the lowest possible volume that is feasible, without jeopardizing patient care.

Lastly, efforts must be made to inform visitors of the facility's noise reduction policy and to ask them to comply. Eye catching signage in the hospital lobby can alert visitors to be aware of the policy. If necessary, employees should politely approach rowdy guests and reiterate the policy and ask for the guests' cooperation in providing the best possible care to their loved one.

To provide the best care possible, hospitals need to be aware of the noise in their facility and how it impacts their patients. By working together with employees and visitors, a quieter, more comforting environment can be acheived.