The introduction of a sound reduction bundle in the intensive care unit and its impact on sound levels and patients

Oystein Tronstad, Sue Patterson, Barbara Zangerl, Dylan Flaws, Robert Holdsworth, Lacey Irvine, Stephanie Yerkovich, India Pearse, John F. Fraser Aus Crit Care DOI 10.1016/j.aucc.2024.02.011

Background: ICU outcomes are continuing to improve. However, this has not been matched by similar improvements of the ICU bedspace environment, which can detrimentally impact on patient outcomes. Excessive sound and noise, especially, has been linked with adverse and potentially preventable patient outcomes and staff errors. There are many sources of sound in the ICU, with alarms from bedside equipment frequently listed as a main source. The number of alarms is increasing in parallel with the introduction of new and more sophisticated technologies to monitor and support patients. However, most alarms are not accurate or critical and are commonly ignored by staff.