A Systematic Literature Review of Noise and Nurse Stress Levels in Intensive Care Units

Abstract

This systematic literature review focused on the noise levels within intensive care units (ICU) and how this can negatively affect nurses working on the unit.  A comprehensive literature search and systematic review were conducted to find evidence-based research on noise levels and its impact on nurses.  Studies revealed various sources of noise, elevated noise levels, health effects of increased noise, and its impact on patients and nurses.  Several interventions were implemented to decrease the number and level of sounds in ICUs.  Increased amounts of noise in intensive care units, for extended periods of time, led to quicker nurse “burn-out” and caused adverse physiological and detrimental emotional effects.  Major trends found for this systematic review included relocation of the intensive care units, implementing quiet times, limiting staff conversations, and modifying the alarm levels.