Noise Pollution in Intensive Care Units and Emergency Wards

Introduction: The improvement of technology has increased noise levels in hospital Wards to higher than international standard levels (۳۵-۴۵ dB). Higher noise levels than the maximum level result in patient’s instability and dissatisfaction. Moreover, it will have serious negative effects on the staff’s health and the quality of their services. The purpose of this survey is to analyze the level of noise in intensive care units and emergency wards of the Imam Reza Teaching Hospital, Mashhad. Procedure: This research was carried out in November ۲۰۰۹ during morning shifts between ۷:۳۰ to ۱۲:۰۰. Noise levels were measured ۱۰ times at ۳۰-minute intervals in the nursing stations of ۱۰ wards of the emergency, the intensive care units, and the Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Departments of Imam Reza University Hospital, Mashhad. The noise level in the nursing stations was tested for both the maximum level (Lmax) and the equalizing level (Leq). The research was based on the comparison of equalizing levels (Leq) because maximum levels were unstable. Results: In our survey the average level (Leq) in all wards was much higher than the standard level. The maximum level (Lmax) in most wards was ۸۵-۸۶ dB and just in one measurement in the Internal ICU reached ۹۴ dB. The average level of Leq in all wards was ۶۰.۲ dB. In emergency units, it was ۶۲.۲ dB, but it was not time related. The highest average level (Leq) was measured at ۱۱:۳۰ AM and the peak was measured in the Nephrology nursing station. Conclusion:  The average levels of noise in intensive care units and also emergency wards were  more than the standard levels and as it is known these wards have vital roles in treatment procedures, so more attention is needed in this area.

Keywords:

Hospital , Intensive Care Units , Noise , pollution , Sound