Assessment of Noise Levels in the Intensive Care Unit in Tertiary Care Hospital

INTRODUCTION: High noise levels in the intensive care unit (ICU) are a well-known problem. It is clear that some noise in the ICU is inevitable, but exceeding the normal range brings various physiologic and psychological changes, which directly affect health. WHO recommended threshold for hospital noise levels is (LAeq) ≤ 35 dBA during the day for in-patient care areas and LAeq ≤ 30 dBA for night- time background noise.(1,2) To identify source of Noise and reducing it will help to improve Quality care in ICU.(3,4,7) OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to do subjective and objective assessment of Noise, Mapping source of Noise and adverse effects of Noise on the Patient. This study will also help to improve Quality of care in ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a Observational prospective randomised controlled study performed in Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai, India (Tertiary care hospital) which includes 72 bed ICU including Medical, Surgical and Cardiac ICU as separate ICU. In this study OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT was done using Noise level in dbs with a NOISH sound level meter Application in iOS and SUBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT was done using different questionnaires to Patient and experience was recorded in Case record form. RESULTS: 51.1% patient experienced unbearable noise in ICUs, 53.33% of patient recommended to adopt a measure to reduce Noise and 51.67% of patient's sleep got affected by Noise.(5) Regarding source of Noise most of the patients voted for Alarms and Monitors as main source of Noise. 34.44% patient experienced Noise source was Staff generated and modifiable with Behavioural adoption. CONCLUSION: Over all in Objective assessment mean Noise in ICU was 64.53 dbs which was higher than recommendations.(1,2) In future, on the basis of the results of this study, protocols will be formed and steps will be taken to reduce the modifiable noise to bring down noise levels further to ensure faster recovery and greater patient comfort.(3,4,6)