Today's healthcare facilities are evaluated not only for their ability to provide cutting-edge medical treatment, but also by how peaceful they can make the environment for patient recoveries. This can be a challenge because, by nature, hospitals are busy places filled with constant activity and noise.
Not surprisingly, noise often tops the list of patient complaints during a hospital stay. Long hallways, alarming medical equipment and flat surfaces make perfect conditions for echo. In fact, some studies have shown that noise levels in hospitals can rise to over 100dbs*. To put that into perspective, that's about the same level of noise as a typical motorcycle. These levels of environmental noise can augment stress, anxiety and aggravation among patients—not to mention caregivers and visitors.
As a result, more hospitals are seeking ways to reduce noise and, consequently, increase patient satisfaction. As an architect, there are several key design elements you can implement to provide a quieter healing environment— whether you're designing a new healthcare facility or renovating an existing one.
• Paging Systems: Hospitals that commit to reducing use of pagers and PA systems, having low-volume conversation and shutting off equipment when not in use have helped decrease volume levels, according to studies from such facilities as Stanford Hospital and Mayo Clinic. Instead of using the overhead paging system, nurses can be summoned individually with a beeper-like device.
• Structural Systems: Major sources of hospital noise include heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.