Analysis of noise levels in the neonatal intensive care unit: the impact of clinical microsystems

Conclusion: Our data show that noise levels are more driven by human behavior than by technical devices. Implementation of microsystems may help to reduce noise exposure in the lower acuity pods in a NICU.What is Known:• Excessive noise levels can lead to adverse effects on the health and development of premature infants and other critically ill newborns.• The reorganization of the neonatal intensive care unit following the clinical microsystems principles might improve quality of care but also affect noise exposure of staff and patients.What is New:• The transition from a mixed -acuity to cohorting model is associated with an overall reduction in noise levels, particularly in low-acuity pods requiring less nursing care.• Nevertheless, baseline noise levels in both models exceeded the standard permissible limits.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research