Noise pollution in intensive care units: a systematic review article

Abstract

Introduction: Noise pollution in hospital wards can arise from a wide range of sources including medical devices, air-conditioning systems and conversations among the staffs. Noise in intensive care units (ICUs) can disrupt patients' sleep pattern and may have a negative impact on cognitive performance. <br/>Material and methods: In this review article, we searched through PubMed and Google Scholar, using [noise and (ICU or “intensive care unit")] as keyword to find studies related to noise pollution in ICUs. In total, 250 studies were found among which 35 articles were included. <br/>Results: The majority of the reviewed studies showed that noise pollution levels were higher in ICUs than the level recommend by The United States Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization. Noise pollution was mostly caused by human activity and operating equipments in ICUs and other hospital wards. <br/>Conclusion: As the results indicated, identifying, monitoring and controlling noise sources, as well as educating the hospital staffs about the negative effects of noise on patients' health, can be highly effective in reducing noise pollution.