Exposure to noise in intensive care: systematic literature review for a clinical protocol

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the scientific research that analyze the exposure to noise in intensive care: systematic review of the literature for a clinical protocol. It is a bibliographical research, a systematic review of the literature, where 25 were selected database items Lilacs, SciELO and PubMed from 2010 to 2015. Being 18 articles in Portuguese, Spanish 5 and 2 in English. After refinement of scientific papers found, was selected 20 articles, inclusion criteria they should be in full, in Portuguese, Spanish and English. These were selected through content analysis through systematic reading and synthesis. It was found that there are several environmental factors affecting patients in Intesiva Care Unit. They all interact with each other and can have significant effects on the health, well-being and the evolution of critically ill patients, but the issue of noise deserves special attention because it directly influences the quality of life and patient safety . It was concluded that much of the noise generated in the ICU seems to stem directly from the behavior, for example, speak. Loud voices are generally higher than the phone or alarms. To minimize disruption of the noise, it seems logical the need to implement a clinical protocol to raise awareness of the problem followed by measures to limit noise and control the speech, for example. In patients who are weak and in critical condition noise reduction can help to reassure them giving comfort. Improve ICU environment, it is important and involves a dedication and attention of the multidisciplinary team, and requires specific measures to reduce noise as well as the education of critical care personnel.
Keywords: noise, noise exposure, intensive care units.