Zeitschrift für Neonatalbiologie

Abstrakt

Effect of educational interventions with the NICU team and parents on reducing noise levels in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Lata Bhat and Supriya Bisht

Objective: Baseline noise levels in a tertiary level NICU were measured and compared before and after educational intervention to evaluate the impact of a noise awareness education program on reducing noise levels in the infant's room. Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary level NICU. Participants were NICU physicians, staff, and parents of babies admitted to the NICU. Participants were educated about the dangers of increased noise levels in the NICU and noise reduction measures. Noise levels in the NICU were monitored daily for 2 weeks using a sound meter at seven different time points. After a 1-week educational intervention period for NICU physicians, staff, and parents, measurements were re-checked in a similar format for 2 weeks after the intervention. 1.3 Results: There was a significant reduction in noise levels before and after the intervention (from 61.9+7.37 dBA to 56.2+5.12 dBA, p=0.002). There was a significant difference in noise levels (p<0.01) within groups at different time points. 1.4 Conclusion: Noise in the NICU is higher than the recommended noise level of 45 dBA. The activity of people on the floor contributes significantly to this. Educational efforts by physicians, staff and parents can significantly reduce noise levels and should be encouraged in every NICU.