JBZ research on the impact of noise on the well-being of (care) professionals in the ER

Reducing the number of triggers in the Emergency Department (ED) was at the top of the wish list of many (care) professionals who work there. Many of them went home at the end of the day tired and even with a headache.

The preliminary observational study was conducted by emergency room physician in training Sofie Hendriks. The main aim was to find out if a combination of interventions would have a positive effect on improving the well-being of (care) professionals in the emergency department.

A secondary objective was to assess whether the interventions would lead to better outcomes in the emergency room. The research showed that professionals (healthcare) experience less noise, that they suffer less from headaches and overstimulation and that they can work more intensively. The interventions appeared to have a clear impact on the well-being of people working in the emergency department. And that also led to an improvement in the sound.

Motivating factors

Environmental sounds and stimuli are known to cause stress and irritation. This can lead to physical complaints and can have a negative impact on the well-being, work performance and ability of the employees. Interviews with professionals (care) from the ER showed that a number of things were being experienced that were very encouraging: the size and number of diagnostic alerts; mechanical sounds of equipment and the many conversations (telephone). So the interventions were in three areas.

Interventions made

Conduct

In two workshops under the guidance of experts, professionals (care) became aware of the noise stimuli they caused themselves and the impact on their well-being. As the department was one large room, social conversation between colleagues often took place. The desire was to create an environment where there would be a place for social discussion, but where work can also be enjoyed. By mutual agreement, it was decided to move the large central table where coffee was drunk and eaten to a separate room in the section.

Mechanically

Many warning signs go off in the emergency room. Since there are many false alarms, we looked at whether they could be reduced with personalization. That turned out to be the case. If you as a health care provider already know that someone has a higher heart rate, you can set the monitor accordingly so that it only gives a signal if the condition changes. In addition, the pneumatic tube and the printer have been moved so that they cause less noise pollution.

Noisy

Eindhoven University of Technology has carried out an analysis to see how the ER space can be better organized. The professionals sat in one room with a large counter around the large table where they could work on computers. The walkways have changed and more work spaces have been created where you can work more quietly. Acoustic panels were also placed around and above the work areas.

Follow up

Different departments of the Jeroen Bosch Hospital have now contacted the ER regarding the decompression process, including the cardio care unit and the neurology department. Each department examines which interventions are necessary and possible.