Evaluating the Noise level and Sources in Isfahan University Hospitals In-tensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: The etiology of sleep disruption, psychological and physiological disorders in patients in intensive care units (ICUs) is poorly understood, but is thought to be related to environmental stimuli, especially noise. This study was conducted to determine levels and time- and place-patterns and sources of noise in the three educational hospital’s intensive care units Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in three university hospitals, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Noise levels measured with SLM (cel-440) during 24hours on the every day in a week for each ICUs. The daily hours devided into seven sections and level of noise with the sources was determined separately. Finding: Noise level in alzahra (64.04 dB), Kashani (64.27 dB) and Chamran (64.80 dB) university hospitals were exceeded about 40-50 dB compared with limit recommended by the EPA. Noise level was higher on weekdays than weekends with higher during mid-day hours. The most important source of noise in ICUs is staff behavior. Conclusion: Noise levels measured in our hospital’sICUs were higher than standard permitted values for hospital’s ICUs. To counteract noise pollution in ICUs, staff awareness and sensitivity are needed. Environment design of ICU is very important in reducing noise level too.

Keywords

• ICU
• Noise Level
• SLM
• Teaching Hospital
• EPA