Patient Satisfaction With Noise

Practice Problem: Noise on hospital units can interfere with patient rest, timely recovery, and statisfacton with care. Improvements in the reduction of hospital noise levels lead to improved patient satisfaction and improved rest. Patients were surveyed on their satisfaction with noise during the day and at night. PICOT: In Acute Care Patients (P), does the implementation of a noise reduction program (I) compared to no noise reduction program (C), affect patient satisfaction with noise (O) over a six-week period (T)? Evidence: Studies show that many hospitals have noise levels that exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended standards for noise levels. Evidence showed that implementing a noise reduction program that included quiet times and sleep menus produced an increase in patient satisfaction with noise. Intervention: Implementation of a noise reduction program and establishing a two-hour quiet time during the day. The program also established a sleep menu to identify and support patient bedtime rituals. Outcome: The implementation of a noise reduction program showed a statistical decrease in measurable noise levels. The project produced a clinically significant increase in patient satisfaction during the day and a clinically significant improvement in patient satisfaction with sleep quality and quantity. Conclusion: The goal of the noise reduction project was to improve the patients’ overall satisfaction with hospital noise during the day and overnight. This project showed that a noise reduction program could decrease noise levels and improve patient satisfaction with noise