1559 Background noise in an Emergency Department: an observational study from staff and patient perspectives

Conclusion
In a large urban teaching hospitalEmergency Department noise was greater than 45dB for staff between 76% and 96% of the time (30% to 100% for patients). There was little difference across the 24hr cycle. A door decreased the noise experienced by patients, but only if left closed. In the resuscitation rooms monitor alarms were much louder for patients than for staff.
Noise levels likely to impair communication are present in the ED for most of the time. Staff awareness and improved design of both buildings and equipment might mitigate this negative acoustic environment.

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal - November 22, 2022 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Coats, T., Emar, M., Smith, E. Tags: RCEM Moderated Papers Source Type: research