EEET2449 - Noise Prevention Strategies in Hospitals: A Research Report

This research report investigates methods for controlling and preventing noise in hospitals, addressing the detrimental effects of high noise levels on patients and healthcare staff. It reviews existing literature highlighting the sources of noise, including medical equipment, staff interactions, and external factors. The report focuses on strategies such as blocking, absorption, and covering to mitigate noise, emphasizing the use of soft materials like carpets and acoustic tiles. Research questions explore specific controls, materials, and construction methods for noise absorption. The significance of the research lies in improving patient recovery and staff well-being by reducing noise-induced stress. The report connects to the current body of knowledge by recommending measures like programming television sets and providing private rooms for patients. The expected outcome is to demonstrate the impact of softer materials on noise prevention and the overall improvement in well-being through effective noise management. References to various guidelines and studies support the research.

TOPIC: CONTROLLING AND PREVENTION OF NOISE IN HOSPITALS
Abstract
Reducing the level of noise as much as possible so that patients can heal and rest in comfort is a
great challenge for majority of hospital. Achieving the required noise levels in Hospitals is not an
easy job considering the level of activities going on. The findings of this research will be of great
importance in improving the overall well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. There is a significant
impact of using softer material like carpet, foam padding and fiberglass on noise prevention and
absorption in hospitals. Focusing on the sources and type of noise from the medical equipment,
activities within the hospital and occupants of the spaces within the facility, there are many
practices and approached which can be used to control the noise levels in hospitals. The main
approaches which can be used in preventing and controlling noise in hospitals are through blocking,
absorption and covering.
Literature review
There is a very large body of literature which clearly discusses the problems of high noise levels in
hospitals. Even in the Intensive care units, where the most vulnerable patients are taken care of,
high noise levels of up to 100 decibels have been measures in some of the Hospitals [1].
Effects of noise in Hospitals
Noise in hospitals in known to cause annoyance, irritation, fatigue, hinder communication among
the patients, healthcare providers and other staff and causes detrimental health impacts on the safety
and quality of the healthcare services which are provided. High noise levels and noise-induced
stress negatively impacts the performance and the wellbeing of the staff, hence compromising the
caring character and contributes to burnouts [2].
Sources of noise in Hospitals
There are many potential sources of noise in hospitals and they include Rattling trolleys, alarms,
ringing phones, televisions, staff conversions, patient and victor conversions, car alarms from
parking areas around and in the hospital, horns, [3] and instructions to visitors, patients and staff.
Indoor noises from the fans, air conditioners, noisy windows and doors, night security whistles and
beeping sounds from different electronics equipment inside the emergency care units [3].
Controlling and preventing noise in hospitals
The main approaches which can be used in preventing and controlling noise in hospitals are through
blocking, absorption and covering [4]. The use of soft materials for the ceiling in hospitals gives the
best opportunity for noise absorption. Hence, installing sound absorbing tiles (acoustic) tiles
consistently through the building will play a great role in ensuring that the noise levels are reduced
and controlled to the permitted standards [5]. The use of soft materials such as carpets will also help
in reducing the amount of noise produced when objects fall on the floor. The application of soft
flooring to reduce the footfall and traffic should be carried out in a way which in any manner does
not compromise the sanitation of the facilities. Construction of the private rooms which will greatly
block the noise which is produced in the common rooms [6].
Research questions
The research will be guided by the following research questions;
1. What are the various controls and prevention of noise in hospital
2. What are the various type of material or softer material that can be used to absorb noise in the
hospital
3. What are the various construction methods that can be used to absorb noise pollution in
hospitals

Significance of the research
High noise levels and noise-induced stress negatively impacts the performance and the wellbeing of
the staff, hence compromising the caring character and contributes to burnouts [7]. Noise is also
known to greatly contribute to the inability of the patients to rest, heal and recover because noise is
linked to the development of hospitalization –induced stress. The findings of this research will be of
great importance in improving the overall well-being of the patients, staff, and visitors [8].
Connection to the current body of knowledge
Some of the measures that I will recommend to be implemented to ensure that the noise is
prevented in hospitals include;
o Programming properly the television sets to reduce calming images and music which does
not interfere with the comfort of the patients.
o Allowing the patients in private rooms to close their doors and if necessary to post a ‘Do not
Disturb’ sign [9].
o Dimming lights in the evening to encourage the patients to sleep and stop conversing to each
other
Expected outcome
The research is carefully crafted to prove or disprove the hypothesis that;
1. There is a significant impact of using softer material like carpet, foam padding and
fiberglass on noise prevention and absorption in hospitals.
2. Once the noise levels in hospitals are managed accordingly the wellbeing of patients and
healthcare providers will improve [10].

References
[1] Brigitta Berglund, Guidelines for Community Noise, Manchester: Institute of Environmental
Epidemiology, Ministry of the Environment, 2018.
[2] J. Clochesy, Critical Care Nursing, London: Saunders, 2011.
[3] Brigitta Berglund, Guidelines for Community Noise, Chicago: Institute of Environmental Epidemiology,
Ministry of the Environment, 2016.
[4] U. S. O. o. N. A. a. Control, Public Hearings on Noise Abatement and Control, London: United States.
Office of Noise Abatement and Control, 2016.
[5] C. Hurtley, Night Noise Guidelines for Europe, London: WHO Regional Office Europe, 2017.
[6] J. Jenkins, Safety and Health at Work, London: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2017.
[7] L. Luxon, Noise and Its Effects, London: Wiley, 2017.
[8] C. Hurtley, Night Noise Guidelines for Europe, London: WHO Regional Office Europe, WHO Regional
Office Europe.
[9] C. Sammy, Hospitals, London: American Hospital Association, 2015.
[10] N. Ahmed, Advances in Noise Analysis, Mitigation and Control, Chicago: BoD – Books on Demand, ,
2017.
[11] Jean-Louis, The Trained Nurse and Hospital Review, Kiev: Lakeside Publishing Company, 2013.