Implementing a visual noise warning device in intensive care unit

Purpose of Project: Many Intensive Care Units struggle with the issue of high noise levels. Decreasing noise levels is conducive for health and wellbeing of patients and staff, and enhances patient experience during their hospital stay. Methodology: This quality improvement project measured noise in two phases. The baseline noise levels were measured for four weeks (May 31, 2021 to June 25, 2021). After completing the measurement of baseline noise levels, brief information sessions were conducted among Intensive Care Unit team members about the importance of noise reduction, during the morning huddles (June 28, 2021 to July 2, 2021). A week after the completion of morning huddles, the visual noise warning device was activated and measurement of post-intervention noise levels were measured for four weeks (July 5, 2021 to July 30, 2021). Results: The mean noise levels from 8:00 am-1:00 pm before the implementation of a visual noise warning device was 64.1 decibels (dB), and post-intervention was 57.2 dB; a decrease of 10.76%. Comparatively during the evening hours (8:00 pm-1:00 am), the mean noise levels pre-intervention was 58.1 dB, and the mean noise levels post-intervention was 49.7 dB, a decrease of 14.45%. Implications for Practice: Clinical: The implementation of a visual noise warning device demonstrated noise reduction in Intensive Care Unit. It is hoped that for future studies the visual noise warning device be considered as part of an effort to reduce noise, promote healthy sleeping patterns and well-being of patients hospital-wide. Research: For the next Doctor of Nursing Practice student who wish to explore about noise reduction in a larger scope, this project may be of value as a resource, or may serve as a starting point. Policy: Revisiting hospital policies may be considered to include the importance of noise reduction in the onboarding of all hospital employees. Education: Educating all hospital workers about noise reduction. Establishing expectations about every employee’s behavioral standards enhances their accountability for maintaining a healthy sound environment.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference