Nursing Home Staff's Perceptions of Noise Compared to Measured Noise Levels: A Descriptive Study.

Abstract

A noisy environment may cause annoyance to nursing home staff and affect their ability to provide quality care to residents. The current descriptive study examined differences between staff's perceived noise levels and measured noise levels in four nursing home facilities in Ohio. Most participants (N = 90) were White females. Consistent with measured noise levels, participants described all facilities as being moderately noisy. The loudest perceived noise sources included door/patient alarms and floor cleaners, which were confirmed by measured noise levels. Inconsistent with measured noise levels, most participants identified the nurses' station as one of the noisiest locations. Overall, participants at all facilities were neutral or disagreed that noise levels impacted themselves or residents. However, nursing home staff should be educated about how they contribute to noise levels and the potential effects of noise on work performance and quality of care provided to residents. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(9), 37-45.].