Employees asked to keep noise down to help patients

Last week, UNMC’s hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, joined a new noise reduction campaign called Silent Hospitals Help Healing (SHHH).

Loudness comparisons Whisper in a quiet room — 30 decibels Normal conversation — 55 decibels Beeper/alarm clock — 80 decibels Rock concert — 105

As part of the campaign, employees at UNMC and the hospital are asked to keep the noise down in patient areas to contribute to more peaceful and healing environment.

“Most people are anxious and out of their usual comfort zone when they are in the hospital and they deserve a calm, quiet environment for healing,” said Melissa Anderson, director of the Patient Experience.

What is noise?

Noise. We know how we feel when it is present, but what exactly does it mean?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, noise is “a sound, especially one that is loud unpleasant or that causes disturbance.” For example, how does this make you feel?

Noise slows healing, harms staff, too

According to the American Institute of Architects, Academy Journal, noise negatively affects patient healing by disrupting sleep, increasing stress and decreasing confidence in the competence of their clinical caregivers.

Staff members also are affected as noise contributes to stress and anxiety, causes burnout and communication more difficult.

Reminders

To keep noise reduction top-of-mind, signs in patient and service elevators, magnets for patient doors and buttons all remind staff, visitors and patients to be aware of their noise levels.

“It is the little things we do for our patients and families that sometimes make the biggest impact,” Anderson said.