Effects of intensive care unit ambient sounds on healthcare professionals: results of an online survey and noise exposure in an experimental setting.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Noise levels on intensive care units (ICUs) are typically elevated. While many studies reported negative effects of ICU ambient sounds on patients, only few investigated noise as a factor to influence well-being or performance in healthcare professionals.

Methods

An online survey in the German-speaking part of Switzerland was conducted to assess how ICU soundscapes are subjectively perceived by healthcare professionals. The questionnaire was answered by 348 participants. Additionally, effects of noise on working memory performance were evaluated in an experimental noise exposure setting. Twenty-six healthcare professionals and 27 healthy controls performed a 2-back object-location task while being exposed to either ICU or pink noise.

Results

Survey results

SUBMITTER: Schmidt N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7376325 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature