Influence of noise manipulation on retention in a simulated ICU ward round: an experimental pilot study

Katja Erne,Samuel E J Knobel,Tim Fischer,Stephan M Gerber,Tobias Nef,Aileen C Naef,Bjoern Zante,Marie-Madlen Jeitziner,Fred W Mast,Joerg C Schefold

doi:10.1186/s40635-022-00430-1

Katja Erne, Samuel E J Knobel + Show 8 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s40635-022-00430-1

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BackgroundNoise exposure leads to a reduction in cognitive abilities in diverse settings, however, only limited data exist examining the effects of environmental ICU noise on the cognitive performance of ICU professionals. A frequently occurring and demanding retention task in ICUs are ward rounds, which are considered key for the provision of medical care. Here, we investigate the influence of noise on information retention in a simulated ward round.MethodsICU professionals were exposed to a recorded, ICU ward round, simulated partly with and partly without environmental ICU noise. Ward rounds were followed by specific questions about previously provided information.Results56 ICU professionals (aged 26–59 years) were included. A logistic mixed model showed a reduction of 27% (P < 0.001) in the ward round test performance when participants were exposed to environmental ICU noise. Furthermore, advanced age was associated with reduced retention (− 28%, P < 0.001), questions containing important information performed better (+ 36%, P < 0.001), and higher stress led to better performance in retention (+ 24%, P = 0.01).ConclusionsOur data showed a considerable negative influence of environmental ICU noise during a simulated ward round. Therefore, reduction of environmental ICU noise is recommended. The influence of additional factors, including stress, priorities, and demographic factors should be pursued in subsequent investigations.

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Noise exposure leads to a reduction in cognitive abilities in diverse settings, only limited data exist examining the effects of environmental Intensive Care Unit (ICU) noise on the cognitive performance of ICU professionals
Correct answers per case Descriptive analyses showed the percentage of the correct responses given in the ward round test per case
Our study showed a considerable decline in performance in the ICU ward round test when background noise was present

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Introduction

Noise exposure leads to a reduction in cognitive abilities in diverse settings, only limited data exist examining the effects of environmental ICU noise on the cognitive performance of ICU professionals. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) professionals are exposed to a lot of noise in their ICU work environment [1, 2] This raises concerns as noise has been found to have a negative impact on cognitive performance in other occupational settings [3]. Specific to the ICU, and in the context of this study, the sound environment (i.e. patient alarms, coughing, yelling, preparing medication, and equipment sounds), is defined as noise when there is a negative perception associated to it [6, 7]. This is the case for ICU professionals, as they perceive the aforementioned sounds in their environment as being negative [2]. As noise is subjective it may in certain circumstances not be perceived negatively, for example for some people the phone ringing may be associated with a positive reaction or memory

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