Noise Reduction in Progressive Care Units

Abstract

Uncontrolled noise in the hospital setting can have a negative physiological and psychological impact on patients and nurses. To reduce unit noise levels and create a quiet patient and nurse experience, an evidence-based practice project was conducted in 4 progressive care units in a community hospital. The Quiet Time Bundle implementation improved patient satisfaction and patient and nurse perceptions of noise even though the decrease in noise levels may not be discernible.