Intensive care nurses' knowledge, perceptions, and experiences about noise exposure in the intensive care unit.

Abstract

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) noise can have significant impacts on patients and nurses. Ultimately, it directly influences patient outcomes, nurse well-being, and overall quality of care. Understanding how nurses view noise in intensive care is essential in order to explore and build helpful noise control strategies. Comprehending the subjective perceptions of noise among nursing professionals in the ICU is of paramount importance, as it serves as a foundational step in elucidating, formulating, and implementing effective noise mitigation strategies. Aim: This systematic review aims to identify intensive care nurses' knowledge and perceptions about noise exposure in the intensive care unit. Methodology: For this systematic review, a comprehensive search spanning the years 2003 to 2023 was conducted across three prominent databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Embase. The researcher incorporated studies with different research methods including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies. They employed the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) to assess the quality of the included studies, while the synthesis and analysis of the findings were conducted using thematic analysis. Results: The review included 7 studies that revealed variations in nurses' knowledge and perceptions of ICU noise. While some were aware of elevated noise levels exceeding recommended limits, others had low levels of knowledge. Noise sources, including human-related activities and medical devices, were recognised, but overall knowledge varied. Furthermore, nurses had varying degrees of understanding of the physiological and psychological effects of noise on patients and staff, with some demonstrating limited understanding of the chronic physiological changes that could arise in patients exposed to excessive noise. Strategies for noise control, such as improving ICU design and addressing human factors, were also proposed, but awareness and implementation varied. 8 Conclusion: Nurses' knowledge and perceptions of ICU noise vary, with some staff members indicating limited understanding of acceptable noise levels, sources and impacts of noise, and strategies to reduce noise levels. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve nurses’ knowledge and implement more effective noise control measures. Addressing ICU noise could enhance patient outcomes and create a more conducive working environment for nurses.