Noise in a UK intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study

Excessive noise in hospital Intensive care units (ICU) has been associated with adverse health effects and human factor impacts acknowledged to negatively affect both patients and healthcare providers. Aims: Evaluation of the acoustic environment of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital (RLUH) ICU versus WHO and UK guidelines. Methods: Noise measurements were taken from a six-bedded bay within the RLUH ICU between 15th June and 1st July 2022. This audit focussed on noise data > 87dBA, in accordance with the national exposure limit established by UK Noise Regulations. A retrospective review of relevant patients' records was conducted to identify potential noisy events during the audit period. Results: The highest and lowest LAeq value was 77.9 and 63.5dBA, respectively. All LAeq and LAmax noise measurements recorded exceeded recommended guidelines. Noise fell below recommended daytime guidelines less than 1% of the time. The top potential causes of noise were patient repositioning/personal care, medication administration and suctioning. Conclusion: Noise levels in the RLUH ICU considerably exceed national and international guidelines. These findings highlight the need to address noise pollution in the ICU setting. Hospital staff and policy makers should consider implementing strategies and interventions for noise reduction in ICUs.