Loading...
9 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
- Noise in neonatal intensive care units: a short reviewPublication . Alberto Alves Carvalhais, Carlos; Vieira Da Silva, Manuela; Silva, Joana; Xavier, Ana; Santos, JoanaPrematurity and low birth weight of newborns lead to the need of a special care in neonatal units, and their permanence in these places can be extended for a long period. Indoor environmental conditions, such noise levels above the recommended, may induce some risks, not only for the newborns development, but also for health care staff. This literature review aims to examine the studies related to noise in neonatal intensive care units to understand the sources and effects of noise, as well as some strategies to reduce noise exposure. The search strategy included an electronic search in databases (ISI Web of Knowledge and PubMed) of scientific articles published in English/Portuguese between 2000-2017. Studies providing data on noise levels found in the neonatal units, the effects on health of newborns and staff and the measures to minimize these effects were included. The exclusion criteria were as follows: duplicate printings; nonEnglish/Portuguese language; editorials, letters, patents, errata, meeting abstracts and conference papers. PRISMA methodology was followed to perform the review. Twenty-two articles were considered for full analysis. It is important to note that some potentially relevant studies were rejected due to language criteria. It was found that the noise levels to which the newborns and staff are exposed in NICU, often exceeds the recommended levels for these spaces. Evidence also shows several adverse health effects for newborns and health care staff perceptions of noise. There is no consensus regarding the best intervention to reduce noise levels.
- The impact of structural changes on sound pressure levels in a neonatal intensive care unitPublication . Alberto Alves Carvalhais, Carlos; Rodrigues, Celia; Xavier, Ana; Vieira Da Silva, Manuela; Santos, JoanaThe design of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) influences both patient safety and clinical outcomes as well as the acoustic conditions. In NICU exposure to sound pressure levels above the recommended can affect both neonates and healthcare staff. This study aimed to evaluate the sound pressure levels and to assess noise perception of professionals in a NICU before and after structural modifications and layout redesign. The measurements were performed with a sound level meter. A questionnaire was given to staff before and after the intervention. The opinion of healthcare staff regarding noise in NICU was better after the intervention, when compared with the responses previously given. The results showed that noise levels were excessive in the NICU (before and after), exceeding the inter national recommendations, with the levels ranging between 46.6 dBA to 57.8 dBA before and 52.0 dBA to 54.0 dBA after intervention. Overall, there is a need for more research in order to verify the effectiveness of some actions and strategies to reduce the impact of noise in NICU.
- Variability of noise levels in a portuguese neonatal intensive care unitPublication . Carvalhais, Carlos; Rodrigues, Célia; Xavier, Ana; Silva, Manuela V.; Santos, JoanaThe neonatal intensive care units accommodates patients who are confined to their environment, being exposed to several environmental factors, such as noise. There exist a few official recommendations regarding noise levels within the hospital environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) proposes that the average background noise in hospitals should not exceed 35 dB LAeq for areas where patients are treated or observed and other organizations such the United States Environmental Protection Agency (45 dB(A) daytime / 35 dB(A) night) and the American Academy of Paediatrics, through the Committee on Environmental Health (45 dB(A)). The aim of this study was to investigate the intensity and pattern of noise levels such as variability and their sources within a Portuguese NICU. The study was carried out in a NICU located in the North of Portugal. The measurements were carried out continuously over 24 hours, next the workstation located at the centre of the NICU. Measurements were performed using a sound level meter class 1 (Brüel&Kjær, model 2250) which was verified with an acoustic calibrator class 1 (Brüel&Kjær, model 4231). The results showed that noise levels were excessive in the NICU, exceeding the international recommendations. The average levels were 55.3±5.4 dB(A) for LAeq with the levels ranging between 41.3 dB(A) (recorded at 5:09 a.m.) to 71.60 dB(A) (recorded at 12:58 p.m.). The highest LCpeak level was 104.4 dB (C) (recorded at 6:15 a.m.). For the other acoustic parameters, it was found 84.8 dB(A) for Lmax and 39.6 dB(A) for Lmin. The occurrence of high average noise levels in combination with the variability in noise levels and the frequency of peak noises may contribute to detrimental effects both for premature infants and health care professionals. Average noise levels exceeded those recommended by the WHO. The primary sources of noise were identified as staff conversations and alarms. Further research into strategies to reduce noise, and evaluation of interventions, is required to enhance by one side the therapeutic environment and for other the healthy and safe workplace.
- Assessment and characterization of sound pressure levels in Portuguese neonatal intensive care unitsPublication . Santos, Joana; Alberto Alves Carvalhais, Carlos; Xavier, Ana; Vieira Da Silva, ManuelaIn NICU, systematic exposure to sound pressure levels above the recommended can affect both neonates and staff. This study aimed to evaluate the sound pressure levels in three Portuguese NICU and the noise perception of staff. The measurements were performed with a sound level meter, considering the location of the main sources of noise and the layout of the units. A questionnaire was applied to assess noise perception of professionals. The staff classified the environment (regarding noise) as ―slightly uncomfortable‖ (41.1%) and 48.4% considered it as ―acceptable‖. In addition, the majority (55.5%) considered ―equipment‖ as the most annoying source of noise. The results showed that noise levels were excessive in all the evaluated areas of the NICUs, exceeding international guidelines, with the levels ranging between 48.7 dBA to 71.7 dBA. Overall, there is a need for more research in order to verify the effectiveness of some actions and strategies to reduce the impact of noise in NICU.
- Are musicians exposed to excessive noise in Portuguese orchestras?Publication . Rodrigues, Matilde; Freitas, Marisa; Neves, M.P.; Vieira Da Silva, ManuelaNoise exposure is broadly recognized as one of the most frequent risk factor at industrial settings, however, for musicians the problematic of noise exposition is not well characterized. Previous studies showed that musicians, in particular orchestral musicians, could be exposed to high sound levels, which can result in hearing damages. These injuries have a negative impact on its performance due to the strongly dependence of their audition system.
- Is there sufficient training of health care staff on noise reduction in neonatal intensive care units? A pilot study from neonoise projectPublication . Alberto Alves Carvalhais, Carlos; Santos, Joana; Vieira Da Silva, Manuela; Xavier, AnaEvidence indicates that exposure to high levels of noise adversely affects human health, and these effects are dependent upon various factors. In hospitals, there are many sources of noise, and high levels exert an impact on patients and staff, increasing both recovery time and stress, respectively. The goal of this pilot study was to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a training program (TP) on noise reduction in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by comparing the noise levels before and after the implementation of the program. In total, 79 health professionals participated in the study. The measurements of sound pressure levels took into account the layout of the unit and locations of the main sources of noise.
- Is it enough training healthcare staff on noise reduction in Neonatal Intensive Care Units? A pilot study from NeoNoise ProjectPublication . Carvalhais, Carlos; Santos, Joana; Vieira da Silva, Manuela; Xavier, AnaThe noise in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) is recognized by many researchers as an agent with negative implications on health and well-being of premature infants (Nicolau et al, 2005) and health professionals. Some sources of noise in hospitals include equipment, alarms, pneumatic tube systems, elevator buzzers, printers, ice machines, food carts, paging systems, call bells, telephones, televisions, and staff/visitors conversations. Several studies showed that “team conversation” was perceived by professionals as one of the main noise sources in NICU. Environmental modifications can effectively decrease noise levels, however the process of caring for hospitalized patients needs frequent and ongoing interpersonal dialogues. Minimizing the patient exposure to interpersonal communications between healthcare staff requires a behavior change. A well structured training program (TP) seems to be a low-cost measure to begin a noise reduction process in a hospital environment (Tsunemi, Kakehashi & Pinheiro, 2012).
- NeoNoise Project: Preliminary results of sound pressure levels in a neonatal intensive care unitPublication . Santos, Joana; Carvalhais, Carlos; Nóia, Mara; Baptista, J. Santos; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaThe noise in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) is recognized by many researchers as an agent with negative implications on health and well-being of premature infants and health professionals. The present study aimed to evaluate and analyse the sound pressure levels variations in a Portuguese NICU and the noise perception of health professionals and, consequently, propose control actions for noise reduction levels. The measurements of the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq), took into account the layout of unit and location of the main sources of noise. A questionnaire was applied to assess noise perception of professionals. In general, the results are higher than the limit recommended by international organizations, ranged between 48.3 dB (A) and 82.5 dB (A). Routine activities were identified as potential source of noise levels. Significant differences has been found between the morning and night shift (p
- Covering the incubator top with a padded blanket reduces noise levels inside the incubator? A pilot study during simulated tasksPublication . Carvalhais, Carlos; Rodrigues, Célia; Xavier, Ana; Silva, Manuela V.; Santos, JoanaNoise levels in Neonatal Intensive Care Units may cause physiological stress, which can impact cognitive development and increase length of stay. Several studies performed in NICU, have consistently noted that the recommended noise levels have been exceeded at day and night periods, inclusively inside incubators. The aim for controlling noise levels in the NICU is to preserve a large portion of each hour for infant sleep. Noise levels found in hospitals frequently disturb sleep states and disrupt stable behavioural states in healthy term and preterm infants. This study aims to verify if covering the incubator top with a padded blanket effectively reduces noise levels inside incubators. Noise levels inside incubator were measured during simulated tasks with and without a padded blanket. The study included short measurements (5 up to 10 min.) for the assessment of the sound pressure levels (C-weighted peak sound pressure level (LCpeak), A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq), A-weighted, Maximum, Sound Level (Lmax) and A-weighted, Minimum, Sound Level (Lmin)). Measurements were performed using a sound level meter class 1 (Brüel&Kjær, model 2250) which was verified with an acoustic calibrator class 1 (Brüel&Kjær, model 4231). Noise levels inside the incubator covered with a blanket were lower than the incubator without the blanket. The average levels were 52.0±0.9 dB(A) for LAeq, 67.4 dB(A) Lmax and 48.5 dB(A) Lmin with blanket, and 57.8±4.9 dB(A) LAeq, 83.7 dB(A) Lmax, 44.1 dB(A) Lmin. LCpeak levels were also lower in the simulation with the blanket (98.7 and 102.8 dB (C), respectively). In the studied NICU the use of the padded blanket is mandatory mainly for lightning control. Although, it also seems a good practice to minimize noise levels inside incubators. However, noise levels remained higher than the recommended by international agencies. Noise in the neonatal intensive care unit can be detrimental to the health of the hospitalized infant. Isolated strategies of reducing noise include staff training, warning lights, and ear coverings, all of which have had limited success. A combined approach focused on newborn, staff and physical environment may be more effective.