Ecophon have been part of the Sound in Clinical Environments (SILENTS) study, looking at the effects of noise in the Acute Assessment Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, a project funded by the hospital’s official charity CW+. The aim of the study is to improve the experience of the acoustic environment on a busy, noisy ward via an intervention study. Whilst previous studies in this area have documented high sound levels in clinical spaces, few have evaluated the effectiveness of noise reduction measures.
Intervention study; both qualitative and quantitative
Whilst not yet fully completed, the study has used qualitative and quantitative methodologies for the evaluation of the situation before and after the intervention.
The interventions include the installation of Ecophon Meditec acoustically absorbent (absorption Class “A”) ceiling tiles and Ecophon Hygiene Carewall acoustically absorbent (absorption Class “A”) wall panels.
Measurement included long-term Sound Pressure Level measurements through fixed monitoring, personal dosimeters and portable devices, and questionnaires for patients alongside interviews with staff members.
SILENTS study results
Evaluation is on the changes to overall noise levels and the impact on staff and patient experience. The qualitative exploration of reported perceptual experience after the interventions was also intended to provide a human-centred perspective on the improvements achieved, and that may not be reflected in the post-intervention quantitative data.
From a quantitative perspective, staff base 2 shows considerable differences between pre- and post-intervention levels, both day and night.
Analysis of questionnaires and interviews with staff and patients is still ongoing; however, already results from staff show common pre-intervention concerns from the high noise levels, such as not being able to focus on conversations, and the stress of having to pay attention to all the sounds in case in is a relevant alarm or a distressed patient. Whilst patients aged 75 plus and living with presbycusis were more likely to report disruptions to sleep, daytime rest, or communication with staff and visitors as a result of noise on the ward. This patient group also tended to report negative feelings more.
Positive feelings relating to sounds were all reported across age, time on ward, and hearing loss groups. These included friendly interactions, kind words, and reassurance, family visits, the food trolley, quiet conversations, laughter and camaraderie with other women in the bay, and listening to the Radio or podcasts on headphones. It is felt that the building elements, equipment and behaviour have an impact on noise levels and that changes these could have a positive impact on the sound environment and reduce levels of annoyance.
Sound in Clinical Environments (SILENTS): Overview of a mixed methods intervention to improve acoustic comfort in a hospital ward in London (UK)
Carmen Rosas-Pérez1 Andrew Hall2,3* Chris J. H. Cook4 John L. Drever 5 Mattia Cobianchi4 Hannah Skene2
1 Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
2 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
3 CW+, London, United Kingdom4
4 Goldsmiths, University of London, United Kingdom
5 Otoloci Ltd. United Kingdom
