국내 일개 상급종합병원의 성인 중환자씄 유형별 소음실태 (Noise Level by Type in Adult Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Korea)

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the actual noise conditions in adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs) accordingto type, time, day of the week, and area. Methods: This study was conducted from February to March 2018. ICU noiselevels were examined using a noise meter with a microphone an amplifier, auditory correction circuit, and indicatormeter capable of directly reading A-weighted decibels (dBA). Noise was measured for 24 hours for seven days andthe average dBA, maximum dBA, and minimum dBA were recorded. Results: The highest mean noise level was 58.48dBA (range of 57.62~65.27), while lowest was 51.65 dBA (range of 51.36~52.86). Average noise levels on weekdaysand weekends were over 50 dBA(the open zone was measured at 56.61 dBA, while the isolation zone was measuredat 52.45 dBA. Further, daytime, evening work-times and weekdays were measured above 60 dBA, while nighttimenoise levels were below 60 dBA. Finally, average noise levels during turnarounds, shift changes, and rounding timeswere above 60 dBA; open zone had higher average noise levels than the isolation zone. Conclusion: This study showedthat ICU noise levels exceeded those recommended by the World Health Organization regardless of type of noise,day of the week, or time. Therefore, studies are proposed to identify the need or importance of noise managementby ICU personnel to reduce noise in ICUs. It also proposes studies to develop and apply noise reduction strategiesthat can be easily used in practice, reflecting the various characteristics of noise in ICUs.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the actual noise conditions in adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs) accordingto type, time, day of the week, and area. Methods: This study was conducted from February to March 2018. ICU noiselevels were examined using a noise meter with a microphone an amplifier, auditory correction circuit, and indicatormeter capable of directly reading A-weighted decibels (dBA). Noise was measured for 24 hours for seven days andthe average dBA, maximum dBA, and minimum dBA were recorded. Results: The highest mean noise level was 58.48dBA (range of 57.62~65.27), while lowest was 51.65 dBA (range of 51.36~52.86). Average noise levels on weekdaysand weekends were over 50 dBA(the open zone was measured at 56.61 dBA, while the isolation zone was measuredat 52.45 dBA. Further, daytime, evening work-times and weekdays were measured above 60 dBA, while nighttimenoise levels were below 60 dBA. Finally, average noise levels during turnarounds, shift changes, and rounding timeswere above 60 dBA; open zone had higher average noise levels than the isolation zone. Conclusion: This study showedthat ICU noise levels exceeded those recommended by the World Health Organization regardless of type of noise,day of the week, or time. Therefore, studies are proposed to identify the need or importance of noise managementby ICU personnel to reduce noise in ICUs. It also proposes studies to develop and apply noise reduction strategiesthat can be easily used in practice, reflecting the various characteristics of noise in ICUs.