Using Rapid Assessment to Evaluate Noise on an In-Patient Unit
2009
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 24
Pages 27-32
Author(s): Deitrick, L.M., Kennedy, P., Cyriax, C., Davies-Hathen, N.
Research shows that many hospitals are noisy from a variety of sources: people, environment, and machines. Further, this excessive noise can have negative effects on patients and staff including lost sleep, higher blood pressure, lower overall patient satisfaction, increased readmission rates, and increased employee stress levels.
Added January 2014
The sound environment in an ICU patient room—a content analysis of sound levels and patient experiences
2012
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing
Journal Article
Author(s): Johansson, L., Bergbom, I., Wayeb, K. P., Ryherd, E., Lindahl, B.
This study was a prestudy for the planning and design of a larger one, where the aim is to investigate the relationship between sound (objective and subjective) and adult intensive care unit (ICU) delirium and/or other factors. It used sound measurement, behavioral observation, and interview methods. The results provide a good list of sound/noise impact on patients and subsequent ICU design considerations.
Added January 2014
Can modifications to the bedroom environment improve the sleep of new parents? Two randomized controlled trials
2011
Research in Nursing & Health
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 34
Pages 7-19
Author(s): Lee, K. A., Gay, C. L.
One of the major challenges of new parenthood is adjusting to the sleep disruption that comes with caring for a newborn. Parents-to-be know that caring for an infant with random sleep and feeding patterns will mean sleep deprivation and fatigue, but few are prepared for the actual physical and emotional demands.
Added January 2014
Noise in the Operating Room—What Do We Know? A Review of the Literature
2010
Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 6
Volume 25
Pages 380-386
Author(s): Hasfeldt, D., Laerkner, E., Birkelund, R.
Noise is a general stressor and should be avoided in the operating room (OR). However, over the last 10 years, while the focus has been on preventing air pollution and maximizing sterility in the OR, very little attention has gone toward preventing noise pollution. Meanwhile, there is more and more noisy technological equipment in the OR, and it can be assumed that problems with noise in the OR have not decreased.
Added January 2014
Patients’ Interactions in an Intensive Care Unit and Their Memories of Intensive Care: A Mixed Method Study
2013
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing
Journal Article
Author(s): Meriläinen, M, Kyngäs, H, Ala-Kokko, T
The various equipment and devices in the intensive care unit (ICU) make it the most technologically sophisticated environment in any hospital. But, from a patient’s perspective, being connected to various devices; experiencing unsettling noises, smells, lighting, and uncomfortable temperatures; and enduring the perceptions of other patients as care objects can cause both physical and mental stress.
Added January 2014
Sleep and the sleep environment of older adults in acute care settings
2008
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 6
Volume 34
Pages 15-21
Author(s): Missildine, K.
Not every patient has difficulty sleeping in an acute care setting, but it is common. Environmental factors, such as light and noise, can interfere with sleep, further compromising an existing sleep problem. Environmental light, considered a primary cue for setting the internal clock and maintaining normal day/night rhythms, is often different in acute care settings compared to home and may affect sleep.
Added January 2014
Sleep promotion in the intensive care unit—A survey of nurses’ interventions
2011
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 27
Pages 138-142
Author(s): Eliassen, K. M., Hopstock, L. A.
For patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), sleep deprivation could lead to a variety of physical and psychological issues (Friese, 2008) that impact the healing process and increase morbidity and mortality. There are many factors that contribute to poor sleep. This small-scale study investigates the perceptions of the sleep-promoting interventions that ICU nurses provide.
Added January 2014
Environmental Noise Sources and Interventions to Minimize Them: A Tale of Two Hospitals
2008
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 23
Pages 216-224
Author(s): Dube, J. A. O., Barth, M. M., Cmiel, C. A. , Cutshall, S. M. , Olson, S. M., Sulla, S. J., Nesbitt, J. C. , Sobczak, S. C., Holland, D. E.
Delivering patient care in a hospital is noisy. Yet research shows that noise interferes with the healing process and can disrupt the patient’s experience. Higher noise levels are linked to stress reaction; sleep disturbance; and increased heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, creating an overarching issue that touches multiple disciplines and departments in the hospital.
Added January 2014
Does music influence stress in mechanically ventilated patients?
2013
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 29
Pages 121-127
Author(s): Chlan, L.L., Engeland, W.C., Savik, K.
Many critically ill patients find that mechanical ventilator is stressful. Often, healthcare providers manage that stress with sedatives. However, as with most medications, the drugs may have side effects. For this and other reasons, many healthcare professionals prefer to try nonpharmacologic interventions first before administering sedative agents.
Added December 2013
Children’s Experience Regarding the Quality of Their Hospital Stay: The Development of an Assessment Questionnaire for Children
2011
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 26
Pages 364-370
Author(s): Chappuis, M., Vannay-Bouchiche, C.., Fluckiger, M., Monnier, M., Cathieni, F., Terra, R., Piot-Ziegler, C.
Pediatric care quality in Switzerland is evaluated mainly through the parents’ opinion. There are no assessment questionnaires for children. However, research indicates that often, what the parents think does not match their children’s evaluation of the quality of care and that they are often low to moderately correlated. This study examines on the development of a questionnaire assessing the satisfaction of children with their hospital stay.
Added December 2013
Lighting and perceptual cues: Effects on gait measures of older adults at high and low risk for falls
2011
BMC Geriatrics
Journal Article
Issue 49
Volume 11
Pages 1471-2318
Author(s): Figueiro, M., Plitnik, B., Rea, M., Gras, L., Rea, M. S.
The visual system plays an important role in maintaining balance while navigating the environment. Older adults often depend heavily on visual information to maintain balance and orientation due to age related changes that affect their vestibular system (contributes to balance and spatial orientation) and somatosensory system (that moderates sensations of touch, smell etc.). Even small reductions in visibility could severely impact their gait and balance and potentially result in a fall. Even in healthy older adults, gait becomes slower and step lengths become shorter under dim lighting conditions.
Added November 2012
Enhancing a primary care environment: a case study of effects on patients and staff in a single general practice
2008
British Journal of General Practice
Journal Article
Issue 552
Volume 58
Pages 465-470
Author(s): Rice, G., Ingram, J., Mizan, J.
The stress and satisfaction of patients and staff are important healthcare outcomes. Patient satisfaction and stress strongly impacts patient health, the images of healthcare organizations, patient loyalty, patient retention and attraction, operating revenue, and profit margin. Staff stress and job satisfaction directly impacts the quality of patient care, work efficiency, and staff turnover intent.
Added November 2012
Do absorption and realistic distraction influence performance of component task surgical procedure?
2010
Surgical Endoscopy
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 24
Pages 902-907
Author(s): Pluyter, J. R., Buzink, S. N., Rutkowski, A. F., Jakimowicz, J. J.
Surgeons’ ability of focusing their attention on surgical tasks directly impacts their performance on surgical operations, which is an important factor influencing quality of care, work efficiency, patient satisfaction, and many other healthcare outcomes. Attention or concentration is more important for performing minimal invasive surgeries which involve complex technologies and put high physical and cognitive demands on surgeons.
Added November 2012
Predesign and Post-occupancy Analysis of Staff Behavior in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
2002
Children’s Health Care
Journal Article
Issue 3
Volume 31
Pages 237-253
Author(s): Shepley, M.M.
Advances in technology have resulted in an increase in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population; allowing care for newborn babies who might have died in the absence of advanced medical care. The design of NICUs has therefore become an important concern in healthcare, and an ongoing debate is the merit of open bays over closed bays. s. Changes in design have a direct impact on staff experience, and potentially staff behavior, which in turn can impact patient care.
Added October 2012
Designed sound and music environment in postanaesthesia care units—–a multicentre study of patients and staff
2005
Intensive and Critical Care Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 21
Pages 220-225
Author(s): Thorgaard, P., Ertmann, E., Hansen, V., Noerregaard, A., Spanggard, L.
Music is arguably the non-pharmocological intervention with the most evidence to support it. It has been succesfully used to ease patient pain perception, anxiety and distress for many pre and post procedure settings. However, a majority of the studies implement music intervention at one on one level (providing patients with headphones etc to listen to music). Little research has investigated the design significance of improving the sound environment through music.
Added October 2012
Patient satisfaction in an acute medicine department in Morocco
2010
BMC Health Services Research
Journal Article
Issue 149
Volume 10
Pages 1-12
Author(s): Soufi, G., Belayachi, J., Himmich, S., Ahid, S., Soufi, M., Zekraoui, A., Abouqal, R.
Patients' satisfaction is an important indicator for quality of care. Measuring healthcare quality and improving patient satisfaction have become increasingly prevalent, especially among healthcare providers and purchasers of healthcare. This is mainly due to the fact that consumers are becoming increasingly more knowledgeable about healthcare. This Open Source study focuses on inpatient satisfaction with hospital care in an Arabic culture in Morocco.
Added October 2012
Impact of Visual Art on Patient Behavior in the Emergency Department Waiting Room
2012
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Journal Article
Issue 1
Volume 43
Pages 172–181
Author(s): Nanda, U., Chanaud, C, , Nelson, M., Zhu, X., Bajema, R., Jansen, B. H.
Wait times have been reported to be one of the most important concerns for people visiting emergency departments (EDs). Additionally, distrust between the patients and staff of the hospital, patients’ consistent focus on their status, and an uncertainty about the waiting time have been identified as contributors to patient anxiety, fear, confusion, and annoyance. Affective states significantly impact perception of wait time and may be impacted by environmental interventions, such as art depicting nature that has been shown to reduce stress levels and anxiety.
Added October 2012
A Novel PACU Design for Noise Reduction
2008
Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing
Journal Article
Issue 4
Volume 23
Pages 226-229
Author(s): Smykowski, L.
As redesign and renovation of patient care units occur, health care providers need to consider the importance of lowering environmental stressors. Noise in the hospital environment is one well documented problem, with detrimental effects to both patients and staff. The paper reviews the redesign of the organization's PACU that explored a unique floor plan to minimize noise and improve privacy.
Added October 2012
Influence of intensive coronary care acoustics on the quality of care and physiological state of patients
2005
International Journal of Cardiology
Journal Article
Issue 2
Volume 98
Pages 267-270
Author(s): Hagerman, I., Rasmanis, G., Blomkvist, V. , Ulrich, R. , Eriksen, C. A., Theorell, T.
Unexpected noise has long been recognized to have a negative influence in the rehabilitation of patients. The study was performed in an academic hospital, where patients with acute chest pain were evaluated in the intensive coronary heart unit (CCU).
Added October 2012
Medication Dispensing Errors in Community Pharmacies: A Nationwide Study
2002
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting
Journal Article
Issue 16
Volume 46
Pages 1448-1451
Author(s): Flynn, E. A., Dorris, N. T., Holman, G. T., Camahan, B. J., Barker, K. N
The available literature concerning medication dispensing errors provides relatively few studies that focus on community-based pharmacies, as much of the available research regarding dispensing errors has been conducted in single pharmacies that are associated with hospitals and medical centers, largely due to convenience. Although the dispensing process may be essentially the same, the validity of extending these findings to community pharmacies has yet to be tested.
Added October 2012
