Newark, NJ—An innovative new program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) and Children's Hospital of New Jersey (CHNJ) is helping to reduce hospital noise for the betterment of patients. The TOO LOUD program was launched on August 24, 2009, one of only a handful of noise reduction programs at hospitals nationwide.
The TOO LOUD Program is specifically designed to address patients' concerns about quiet in the hospital at night, and patient satisfaction scores in this area have improved by four percentage points since the program was introduced four months ago. The effects of hospital noise include lost sleep, higher blood pressure and lower overall patient satisfaction.
The program provides a Noise Hotline for patients which can be called to report disturbing noise. Signage in patient rooms alerts them to the hotline. Calls are received by a special phone line in the Security Department, and Security then contacts staff on the unit to address the concern. Also, recorded broadcasts are played on all the units at 10 pm to alert patients and staff that cell phones and pagers should be turned on vibrate for the night.
This message is a reminder to staff members as well as patients that nighttime is quiet time.
"Educating staff members about the importance of quiet at night has proven to be one of the best ways to reduce noise," reports John A. Brennan, MD, Executive Director of NBIMC and CHNJ. "When a patient is recovering, the constant intrusion of voices, cell phones and other disturbances can make a good night's sleep difficult. A rested body heals faster, and the staff at The Beth is taking a proactive approach to creating a more peaceful nighttime environment for our patients."
Research has demonstrated that a quiet atmosphere at night aids in healing. Studies have shown a relationship between excessive noise and a slowing of the healing process. Sleep deprivation alters immune function, including the activity of the body's cells. Noise also adds to rising stress levels in the body. According to a 2004 study by Mayo Clinic staff, published in the American Journal of Nursing, hospital noises during the night can approach the levels of chain saws or jackhammers, making it nearly impossible for patients to sleep.
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