The impact of a noise reduction quality improvement project upon sound levels in the open-unit-design neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Objective: To decrease measured sound levels in the neonatal intensive care unit through implementation of human factor and minor design modification strategies.

Study design: Prospective time series. Two open-unit-design neonatal centers.

Result: Implementation of a coordinated program of noise reduction strategies did not result in any measurable improvement in levels of loudness or quiet.

Conclusion: Two centers, using primarily human behavior noise reduction strategies, were unable to demonstrate measurable improvements in sound levels within the occupied open-unit-design neonatal intensive care unit.