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Description
Noise in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) often exceeds recommended safe noise levels and has been found to have negative effects on premature infants and their health. Some of these effects can be changes in their heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep patterns. In addition, negative effects, such as hearing loss, can cause permanent damage that impact children's long-term development. A preterm infant is an infant born before 37 weeks’ gestation. Being born prematurely comes with its own problems and many risks. Attempting to survive in an environment that causes more stress is not healing. Understanding the effects of noise on preterm infants’ physiological state and examining interventions to minimize NICU noise is essential. A review of the research literature was performed. Six primary studies exploring the effects of NICU noise on premature infants and interventions were found. The studies were divided into two categories: "Effects of noise exposure" and "Interventions." The studies highlight the effects seen in preterm infants when exposed to noise and show unique interventions that can help minimize these effects. Some interventions that have been found to help minimize noise include implementing quiet times on the units and the use of earmuffs over preterm infants' ears. Sound levels weren’t measured in the studies that implemented quiet times, so further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. A quasi-experimental study is proposed, framed by Florence Nightingale's theory that a healthy environment is needed for patients' healing. With parents' consent, eligible NICU infants will be divided into an experimental group, receiving daily quiet time, and a control group, receiving care in the usual environment. The independent variable is sound level, and the outcome variable is infants' vital signs. This investigation may help nurses understand the effect of noise on premature infants' physiological status.
Department
Nursing
Publication Date
4-19-2023
Sponsorship/Conference/Institution
The Scholarly and Creative Works Conference, Dominican University of California
City
San Rafael, CA
Disciplines
Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing | Nursing