Downloaded from fn.bmj.com on July 10, 2014 - Published by group.bmj.com
Original article
Examining the effects of a targeted noise reduction program in a neonatal intensive care unit D Wang,1 C Aubertin,1 N Barrowman,2 K Moreau,2 S Dunn,1,3 J Harrold1,3 1 Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 2 Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 3 University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Correspondence to Dr D Wang, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L1; [email protected] Received 24 July 2013 Revised 2 December 2013 Accepted 4 December 2013 Published Online First 19 December 2013
ABSTRACT Objectives To determine whether implementation of a noise reduction policy followed by the addition of direct audit and feedback reduces noise levels in a tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Study design Noise level data was collected in three phases: (1) baseline ( preintervention), (2) immediately postimplementation of our noise reduction policy, (3) postunveiling of direct audit and feedback mechanism. Setting A level 3 NICU in Ontario, Canada. Interventions Noise reduction policy and a direct audit and feedback mechanism. Main outcome measures Average noise level. Results The baseline level of noise in our unit consistently exceeds guidelines with an average baseline noise of 49 dB (±1.4). Our intervention resulted in a significant reduction in noise levels for one of the four areas in our NICU [−1.06 dB (−1.52, −0.6)], with a trend towards reduction in a second area (−0.21 dB (−0.6, 0.18)). Unexpectedly, two other areas experienced a significant increase in noise (2.05 dB (1.18, 2.94); 0.85 dB (0.11, 1.59)). Conclusions The baseline noise in the NICU consistently exceeds guidelines, but reductions in noise levels are achievable. Nonetheless, more work is needed to find the optimal NICU design and noise reduction strategy.
INTRODUCTION
To cite: Wang D, Aubertin C, Barrowman N, et al. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2014;99: F203–F208.
The survival rate of premature infants has improved significantly from 50% in 1981 to 85% in 2006 for birth weight
Original article
Examining the effects of a targeted noise reduction program in a neonatal intensive care unit D Wang,1 C Aubertin,1 N Barrowman,2 K Moreau,2 S Dunn,1,3 J Harrold1,3 1 Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 2 Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 3 University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Correspondence to Dr D Wang, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L1; [email protected] Received 24 July 2013 Revised 2 December 2013 Accepted 4 December 2013 Published Online First 19 December 2013
ABSTRACT Objectives To determine whether implementation of a noise reduction policy followed by the addition of direct audit and feedback reduces noise levels in a tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Study design Noise level data was collected in three phases: (1) baseline ( preintervention), (2) immediately postimplementation of our noise reduction policy, (3) postunveiling of direct audit and feedback mechanism. Setting A level 3 NICU in Ontario, Canada. Interventions Noise reduction policy and a direct audit and feedback mechanism. Main outcome measures Average noise level. Results The baseline level of noise in our unit consistently exceeds guidelines with an average baseline noise of 49 dB (±1.4). Our intervention resulted in a significant reduction in noise levels for one of the four areas in our NICU [−1.06 dB (−1.52, −0.6)], with a trend towards reduction in a second area (−0.21 dB (−0.6, 0.18)). Unexpectedly, two other areas experienced a significant increase in noise (2.05 dB (1.18, 2.94); 0.85 dB (0.11, 1.59)). Conclusions The baseline noise in the NICU consistently exceeds guidelines, but reductions in noise levels are achievable. Nonetheless, more work is needed to find the optimal NICU design and noise reduction strategy.
INTRODUCTION
To cite: Wang D, Aubertin C, Barrowman N, et al. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2014;99: F203–F208.
The survival rate of premature infants has improved significantly from 50% in 1981 to 85% in 2006 for birth weight
