Noise levels in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit: an observational study
Noise levels in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit: an observational study
Preterm infants are cared for in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] during a critical period of their development. Caregivers are responsible for promoting an environment that is protective of their neurodevelopment. Noxious stimuli, such as noise, are recognised as harming both short and long-term health outcomes. Recent studies suggest that recommended levels are not being met within neonatal units and changes are crucial in helping to meet them (Mayhew et al., 2022; Best et al., 2020; Chawla et al., 2017). A study was undertaken to measure the sound levels within a NICU. The results were compared with the recommended levels as advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Analysed results confirm that recommended levels were not being achieved putting neonates at higher risk of morbidity. Using a Plan, Do Study, Act [PDSA] cycle, education was provided to all healthcare professionals working within the neonatal unit along with the study results. Subsequent readings were taken following the intervention and compared pre and post data.
Neonates, Developmental care, Recommended noise levels, Neonatal intensive care, Neuro-developmental care
Crofts, K.
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Smit, E.
9682ff74-1b32-4169-9df4-d222232ef250
Chakraborty, M.
d8c8cb87-ab05-41bc-8369-afd7e604664b
Walker, D.-M.W.
5d4c78b7-4411-493e-8844-b64efc72a1e8
19 March 2025
Crofts, K.
e1370aa5-2222-4ea3-9d38-4d36b8239928
Smit, E.
9682ff74-1b32-4169-9df4-d222232ef250
Chakraborty, M.
d8c8cb87-ab05-41bc-8369-afd7e604664b
Walker, D.-M.W.
5d4c78b7-4411-493e-8844-b64efc72a1e8
Crofts, K., Smit, E., Chakraborty, M. and Walker, D.-M.W.
(2025)
Noise levels in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit: an observational study.
Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 31 (3), [101642].
(doi:10.1016/j.jnn.2025.101642).
Abstract
Preterm infants are cared for in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] during a critical period of their development. Caregivers are responsible for promoting an environment that is protective of their neurodevelopment. Noxious stimuli, such as noise, are recognised as harming both short and long-term health outcomes. Recent studies suggest that recommended levels are not being met within neonatal units and changes are crucial in helping to meet them (Mayhew et al., 2022; Best et al., 2020; Chawla et al., 2017). A study was undertaken to measure the sound levels within a NICU. The results were compared with the recommended levels as advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Analysed results confirm that recommended levels were not being achieved putting neonates at higher risk of morbidity. Using a Plan, Do Study, Act [PDSA] cycle, education was provided to all healthcare professionals working within the neonatal unit along with the study results. Subsequent readings were taken following the intervention and compared pre and post data.
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Accepted/In Press date: 2 March 2025
e-pub ahead of print date: 19 March 2025
Published date: 19 March 2025
Keywords:
Neonates, Developmental care, Recommended noise levels, Neonatal intensive care, Neuro-developmental care
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 502267
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/502267
ISSN: 1355-1841
PURE UUID: edf2f140-9c5d-4f53-aed1-5c708614cf55
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Date deposited: 19 Jun 2025 16:57
Last modified: 20 Jun 2025 01:47
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Contributors
Author:
K. Crofts
Author:
E. Smit
Author:
M. Chakraborty
Author:
D.-M.W. Walker
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