Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung SL(1)(4), Ngan WCA(2)(4), Kwong KK(3)(4), Kwong PS(1)(4), Ng LK(1)(4)
Affiliation :
Operating Theatre (1), Nursing Services Division (2), Special Accommodation Ward(3), Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals(4)
Introduction :
Noise in operating rooms (OR) is always a stress for patients and operating theater personnel. Excessive noise disturbs patients’ perioperative perception, especially during induction of anesthesia. It also distracts staff in performing critical tasks and increases the possibility of medical errors. Recently, studies have demonstrated that there was an escalation of the noise in operating rooms with average noise level greater than international standards. However, we found that no related studies have been conducted in Hong Kong.
Objectives :
1 To explore the patients’ perception of noise in OR;
2.To compare the measured noise levels and patients’ perception of noise
in OR with international standards
Methodology :
1.The sound level was measured using a logarithmic scale in decibels (dB(A)) for Daily Personal Noise Exposure (Lep,d) and dB for Peak Sound Pressure Level (Lpeak) with a qualified Personal Noise Dosimeter.
2.The questionnaire was self-designed based on previous studies and patient interviews were conducted at PACU area. Question 1: Patients were asked to rank their perception of noise in a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
Question 2: Patients were asked what noise level was perceived as “annoying, stressful, noisy or acceptable”. Question 3: Patients were asked about the dominant source of the noise.
3.Patients who received surgical or orthopedic procedures, under either General Anaesthesia (GA), Spinal Anaesthesia (SA) or Local Anaesthesia (LA), both the sex and ae range were included in the study.
Result & Outcome :
1.From June to August 2019, 41 samples were done. 28 patients underwent GA with perceived Lep,d of 64.2dB(A) (Lpeak of 102.1dB) and 13 patients underwent LA perceived Lep,d of 63.4dB(A) ) (Lpeak of 98.3dB).
2.In response to question 1 and 2, all scores were 5 or less and 46% of patients scored 1 mark. No patient perceived the noise as annoying, stressful or noisy and all feedback of noise level was acceptable.
3.From question 3, 58% of patient feedback stated that noise mostly came from conversations, 24% of patient said the noise came from equipment such as monitoring devices, and 1% came from other sources.
Conclusion:
Noise in the operating theatre is still an important point of care when managing perceptions of patients who undergo operation in the OR. Further studies to explore how the noise influence the psychological outcomes and quality of life of patients postoperatively is recommended.
