Problem of noise pollution in hospitals worsening

New King’s College London research has found that noise in hospitals is a worsening problem, with levels regularly exceeding international recommendations.

Published in the BMJ, the research finds that 40 per cent of hospital patients, families and staff are bothered by noise at night - regularly hindering communication among staff, causing annoyance, irritation and fatigue, and detrimentally impact the quality and safety of healthcare.

Additionally, patients report that hospital noise can have a cumulative effect on their hospital experience, with those staying in hospital for several nights often left feeling trapped and stressed, leading to requests for premature discharge from hospital and heightened risk of trauma and readmission. The study highlights how noise can also impact a patients’ ability to rest, heal and recover, since it has been linked to the development of ICU psychosis, hospitalisation-induced stress, increased pain sensitivity, high blood pressure and poor mental health.

The researchers argue that a new approach is needed to monitor noise, preferably one that views the hospital soundscape as a positive and malleable component of the environment. Moreover, they suggest that more research investment is needed to measure patients’ perceptions of noise and that health staff should provide patients and families with clear information about likely noise levels during admissions, so they are better prepared in advance, and can consider simple solutions such as headphones with their own choice of audio content.

Dr Andreas Xyrichis, lead author of the report, said: “Even in intensive care units, which cater for the most vulnerable patients, noise levels over 100dB have been measured, the equivalent of loud music through headphones. We know hospital noise has disruptive consequences for sleep - machine sounds in particular have a greater negative effect on arousal than human voices. Post-hospitalisation recovery is also compromised.

“Measures to tackle this problem have included ear plugs, noise warning systems, acoustic treatment panels, educational initiatives and noise reduction protocols, which have provided some benefit. However, so far, patients have been seen as passive recipients of hospital noise rather than active participants in its creation. It is essential that future solutions should have greater patient participation as a key feature.

“Guides about potential ward sounds could also enhance patients’ understanding of their surroundings and increase relaxation. Sound masking – the addition of background, broadband sound optimised for particular environments to reduce noise-induced disturbance – has also been used widely in open-plan offices for many years and has recently shown promise for improving sleep in hospitals.”