Quiet Time: Supporting Rest and Healing in a Pediatric Medical/Surgical Setting

Hospitals aim to provide a healing environment, but the constant interruptions and high noise levels contribute to an unsatisfactory environment for rest and healing. Noise is an environmental stressor with negative consequences, especially for vulnerable, hospitalized children. Noise is also associated with adverse health effects and can have a negative effect on sleep, crucial for child development. Poor sleep may be impacted by loud noise and interruptions resulting in a reduction in quality and quantity of sleep while in the hospital. An uninterrupted hour of quiet time on a pediatric medical/surgical unit at a Midwest academic medical center was initiated. Watson’s caring concepts of providing a healing environment provides the theoretical foundation for the goal of this initiative to reduce noise, improve patient satisfaction, and facilitate rest and healing. The quiet time initiative is to provide a much-needed uninterrupted hour of rest for a pediatric patient, thus creating a healing environment. Results of the quiet time initiative will be assessed by providing randomized satisfaction surveys and comment cards. These surveys and comment cards will measure patients’ and the families overall satisfaction related to reduced noise disturbances and increased sleep quality. Findings will be reviewed quarterly and shared with staff on the pediatric unit for future changes and recommendations regarding the quiet time initiative