Soundwalks in new and existing intensive care units

Abstract

Soundwalks were taken in 3 existing ICU’s in a hospital. New ICU’s were designed to address acoustical and other issues identified in the 3 existing ICU’s. Sound walks were taken in the 3 new ICU’s after they were constructed. While sounds of individual acoustical events were similar in the new and existing ICU’s, the overall sound levels and frequency of sounds decreased in the new ICU’s compared to the existing ICU’s. In other words, the sounds of people speaking were measured similarly in both ICU’s as were the sounds of doors closing, the ice machine operating and other specific acoustical events. However, the design of the new ICU removed the sounds of nurses speaking at the nurses’ station from proximity to patient rooms so the sound levels of people speaking who were not communicating directly with the patient or family were reduced in the new ICU. Additionally, the sounds of medical equipment were largely removed from the patient rooms in the new ICU. Equipment such as ice machines, coffee pots and other items were also removed from patient areas in the new ICU. Overall, the new ICU had a quieter environment for patients, nurses and visitors.