Sound Control for Improved Outcomes in Healthcare Settings
2007
The Center for Health Design
Report
Author(s): Joseph, A., Ulrich, R. S.
Added December 2022
Luminous environment in healthcare buildings for user satisfaction and comfort: an objective and subjective field study
2015
Indoor and Built Environment
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 25
Pages 809-825
Author(s): Lo Verso, V. R.M., Caffaro, F., Aghemo, C.
Lighting is important in healthcare, and the authors indicate its relevance to patient recovery and staff satisfaction. According to the authors, luminous environmental quality affects visual comfort, which is related to both natural and artificial lighting.
Added June 2015
Patient Safety in the Cardiac Operating Room: Human Factors and Teamwork A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
2013
Circulation
Journal Article
Issue 10
Volume 128
Pages 1139-1169
Author(s): Wahr, J. A., Prager, R. L., Abernathy, J. H., Martinez, E. A., Salas, E., Seifert, P. C., Groom, R. C., Spiess, B. D., Searles, B. E., Sundt, T. M., Sanchez, J. A., Shappell, S. A., Culig, M. H., Lazzara, E. H., Fitzgerald, D. C., Thourani, V. H., Eghtesady, P., Ikonomidis, J. S., England, M. R., Sellke, F. W., Nussmeier, N. A.
The cardiac surgical operating room is a complex environment, where patient lives are saved or considerably improved with the help of sophisticated equipment and skilled personnel. Although outcomes are improving, adverse events still occur, many of which are preventable. This statement is the result of a review of literature that presented evidence on patient safety and interventions that worked in enhancing patient safety in the cardiac OR.
Added March 2015
Effect of noise on auditory processing in the operating room
2013
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
Journal Article
Issue 5
Volume 216
Pages 933-8
Author(s): Way, T. J., Long, A., Weihing, J., Ritchie, R., Jones, R., Bush, M., Shinn, J. B.
Noise in operating rooms (ORs), defined as any unwanted sound impeding on normal hearing, can be grouped into two categories: equipment-related noise and staff-created noise. Equipment-related noise can come from anesthesia equipment and alarms, suction devices, or surgical instruments such as cautery devices, dissection tools, and drills. Staff-created noise can come from opening and closing doors, conversations, overhead pages, and music. All of these noise sources contribute to the average ambient noise in ORs, which is 65 dBA with peak levels reaching120 dBA.
Added September 2014
Role of the Physical and Social Environment in Promoting Health, Safety, and Effectiveness in the Healthcare Workplace
2006
The Center for Health Design
Report
Author(s): Joseph, A.
Added October 2012
The effect of stress-inducing conditions on the performance of a laparoscopic task
2003
Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques
Journal Article
Issue 9
Volume 17
Pages 1481-1484
Author(s): Moorthy, K., Munz, Y., Dosis, A., Bann, S., Darzi, A.
Surgeon performance in operating rooms directly impacts quality of car, healthcare productivity, patient satisfaction, and many other healthcare outcomes. However, while performing complex surgical tasks, surgeons are often exposed to fatigue and stress caused by organizational, environmental and team-related factors. Common stressors in operating rooms include noise, inappropriate temperature, sleep deprivation, time pressures due to scheduling, workload, and unsuitable ergonomics.
Added October 2012
The Role of the Physical Environment in Promoting Health, Safety, and Effectiveness in the Healthcare Workplace
2006
The Center for Health Design
Journal Article
Issue #3
Volume 2006 November
Author(s): Joseph, A.
Added October 2012