Increased Patient Satisfaction in the Postanesthesia Care Unit with the Implementation of a Controlled Noise Reduction Program.

PURPOSE

Noise in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) is a significant source of postoperative patient discomfort and can affect patient sleep and recovery. Interventions involving structural alterations in the environment reduce noise and improve patient satisfaction; however, there are no studies focusing on staff education as a method to reduce PACU noise.

DESIGN

We designed and implemented a prospective PACU noise reduction program using education and training to minimize staff contributions to noise.

METHODS

Noise levels, measured hourly with a decibel meter, patient satisfaction, and patient rest were assessed before and after implementation.

FINDINGS

We found statistically significant decreases in noise levels and increases in patient satisfaction scores after the implementation of our noise reduction project.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that an inexpensive and easily implemented noise reduction program can effectively reduce environmental noise, increase patient satisfaction, and potentially improve recovery.