The Sound of Urgency: Understanding Noise in the Emergency Department

Ortiga, J; Kanapathipillai, S; Daly, B; Hilbers, J; Varndell, W; Short, A

The Sound of Urgency: Understanding Noise in the Emergency Department

Ortiga, J Kanapathipillai, S Daly, B Hilbers, J Varndell, W

Short, A

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Music & Medicine, 2013, 5 (1), pp. 44 - 51
Issue Date:: 2013-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Ortiga, J	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Kanapathipillai, S	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Daly, B	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Hilbers, J	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Varndell, W https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4752-9679	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Short, A	en_US
dc.date.issued	2013-01-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Music & Medicine, 2013, 5 (1), pp. 44 - 51	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1943-8621	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/23701
dc.description.abstract	Hospital noise is a worldwide issue, with detrimental effects on health and healing. The busy emergency department (ED) typically generates excess noise. Few studies have investigated noise levels within the Australian ED. This study examines noise in this setting, in turn suggesting how noise levels may be reduced. Noise level measurements occurred in 4 locations within the ED during peak staff and patient flow times over selected 7-hour periods. These were compared to the available standards and guidelines and supplemented by regular staff surveys documenting perceived noise. Findings indicated that all 4 locations exceeded the maximum recommended levels by up to 20 dB. Staff perception surveys suggested that most noise was created by people (conversations). Reducing noise in the ED may be achieved by (1) decreasing the generation of noise and (2) reviewing building layout and introducing physical noise controls such as noise-absorbing ceiling tiles and acoustic barriers/curtains. © 2013, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Music & Medicine	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1177/1943862112471999	en_US
dc.title	The Sound of Urgency: Understanding Noise in the Emergency Department	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	1	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	5	en_US
utslib.for	1904 Performing Arts and Creative Writing	en_US
utslib.for	1701 Psychology	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.issue	1	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	5	en_US

Abstract:

Hospital noise is a worldwide issue, with detrimental effects on health and healing. The busy emergency department (ED) typically generates excess noise. Few studies have investigated noise levels within the Australian ED. This study examines noise in this setting, in turn suggesting how noise levels may be reduced. Noise level measurements occurred in 4 locations within the ED during peak staff and patient flow times over selected 7-hour periods. These were compared to the available standards and guidelines and supplemented by regular staff surveys documenting perceived noise. Findings indicated that all 4 locations exceeded the maximum recommended levels by up to 20 dB. Staff perception surveys suggested that most noise was created by people (conversations). Reducing noise in the ED may be achieved by (1) decreasing the generation of noise and (2) reviewing building layout and introducing physical noise controls such as noise-absorbing ceiling tiles and acoustic barriers/curtains. © 2013, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/23701