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Dias C, Rodrigues IT, Gonçalves H, Duarte I. Communication strategies for adults in palliative care: the speech-language therapists' perspective. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:49. [PMID: 38383383 PMCID: PMC10880300 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01382-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication disorders are a challenge that many patients in palliative care (PC) may encounter. This intervention area is emerging for the speech-language therapist (SLT), the professional who works in preventing, assessing, diagnosing, and treating human communication disorders. This study aims to identify and classify the communication strategies considered most important by SLTs for use in PC and evaluate whether there are any differences in perception regarding the importance of strategies between SLTs with and without PC experience. METHODS This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using a survey, which employed a well-structured, self-completion questionnaire previously validated by a panel of experts with over six years of PC experience. RESULTS The strategies rated as most important within each group were the following: (i) adjust the patient's position and minimise environmental noise; (ii) establish eye contact and adjust the pace of speech; (iii) adjust the language level and raise one topic at a time; (iv) use images of the patient's interests and their personal objects; (v) use orality and multimodal form; (vi) use simplified language and structured pauses; and (vii) use tables with images and books with pictures. CONCLUSIONS Verbal and non-verbal strategies were rated as highly important. There was no evidence of differences in perception in terms of importance between the SLTs with or without experience in PC, but more studies are needed to support this aspect. The patient's communication ability is one of the cornerstones of PC quality. Through their actions, speech-language professionals could empower the patient with strategies so that they can autonomously and self-determinedly express their experiences and most significant needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Dias
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Inês Tello Rodrigues
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechcare), Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
- Alcoitão School of Health Sciences (ESSAlcoitão), Alcabideche, Portugal
| | - Hernâni Gonçalves
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivone Duarte
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS@RISE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Farooqi ZUR, Ahmad I, Ditta A, Ilic P, Amin M, Naveed AB, Gulzar A. Types, sources, socioeconomic impacts, and control strategies of environmental noise: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:81087-81111. [PMID: 36201075 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Noise exposure has reached an alarming degree over the years because of rapid growth in the industry, transportation, and urbanization. Therefore, it is a dire need to provide awareness of the sources and mitigation strategies of noise, and to highlight the health, and socio-economic impacts of noise. A few research studies have documented this emerging issue; however, there is no comprehensive document describing all types of noise, their impacts on living organisms, and control strategies. This review article summarizes the sources of noise; their effects on industrial workers, citizens, and animals; and the value of property in noisy areas. The plethora of literature is showing an increased level of noise in various cities of the world, which have various health consequences such as high blood pressure, insomnia, nausea, heart attack, exhaustion, dizziness, headache, and triggered hearing loss. Apart from humans, noise also affects animal habitat, preying, and reproduction ability; increases heart rate and hearing loss to even death and loss in property value; and impairs the hospital environment. Finally, we have discussed the possible strategies to mitigate the noise problem, policy statements, and regulations to be followed, with future research directions based on the identified research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zia Ur Rahman Farooqi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Iftikhar Ahmad
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Allah Ditta
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal Dir (U),, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 18000, Pakistan.
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Predrag Ilic
- PSRI Institute for protection and ecology of the Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Vidovdanska 43, 78000, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Muhammad Amin
- Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdul Basit Naveed
- School of Natural Science, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, 44320, Pakistan
| | - Aadil Gulzar
- Deptartment of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J & K, 190006, India
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Measurement of sound levels in a neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Pediatr Neonatol 2022; 63:618-624. [PMID: 35963810 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High sound levels in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can alter preterm newborn hemodynamics and cause long-term neuro-developmental delays and hearing loss. The study aims to collate data on sound levels in a level IV NICU of a tertiary care hospital, identify the factors associated with them, and compare them with the international standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional study in NICU from 8th April 2019 to 30th June 2019. Sound levels were recorded for 480 h, using a portable sound meter, the Larson Davis 824. We captured sound levels on alternate days, during different shifts and shift changes and in open pods and single isolation rooms within the NICU. Additionally, we documented the total census, acuity of care, number of staff, number of procedures, and number of items of equipment used. The data was analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and logistic regression. RESULTS The average sound level (Leq) and the maximum level (Lmax) recorded were 60.66 ± 2.99 dBA and 80.19 ± 2.63 dBA, respectively, which exceeds international recommendations. The sound level gradually decreased from morning to night hours. The major increase in sound was observed during nursing shift change. Similarly, a significant increase in sound was observed in open bays compared to isolation rooms. However, no difference in sound levels was recorded during weekdays and weekends. The number of healthcare professionals and the number of procedures performed were strongly associated with an increased noise level. CONCLUSION Sound levels in NICU were beyond the safety range and international recommendations. We observed a significant sound increment during morning hours and at the time of nursing shift change. High sound levels were associated with increased number of healthcare workers and bedside procedures in NICU.
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Dickson VV, Blustein J, Weinstein B, Goldfeld K, Radcliffe K, Burlingame M, Grudzen CR, Sherman SE, Smilowitz J, Chodosh J. Providing Hearing Assistance to Veterans in the Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study. J Emerg Nurs 2022; 48:266-277. [PMID: 35172928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective communication is essential to good health care, and hearing loss disrupts patient-provider communication. For the more than 2 million veterans with severe hearing loss, communication is particularly challenging in noisy health care environments such as emergency departments. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe patient and provider perspectives of feasibility and potential benefit of providing a hearing assistance device, a personal amplifier, during visits to an emergency department in an urban setting affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in parallel with a randomized controlled study. We completed a semistructured interview with 11 veterans and 10 health care providers to elicit their previous experiences with patient-provider communication in the ED setting and their perspectives on hearing screening and using the personal amplifier in the emergency department. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis and Atlas.ti V8.4 software (Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany). RESULTS The veteran sample (n = 11) had a mean age of 80.3 years (SD = 10.2). The provider sample included 7 nurses and 3 physicians. In the ED setting, hearing loss disrupts patient-provider communication. Screening for hearing loss in the emergency department was feasible except in urgent/emergent cases. The use of the personal amplifier made communication more effective and less effortful for both veterans and providers. DISCUSSION Providing the personal amplifier improved the ED experience for veterans and offers a promising intervention that could improve health care quality and safety for ED patient populations.
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Amoatey P, Al-Harthy I, Al-Mushaifari MA, Al-Jabri K, Al-Mamun A. Effect of ambient noise on indoor environments in a health care facility in Oman. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:15081-15097. [PMID: 34625898 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16875-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hospital-noise levels can induce physiological responses and affect sleep quality, which could contribute to cardiovascular-related health problems. Till date, high-resolution hospital noise exposure assessment studies have not received much attention in Oman. This study aims at assessing sound pressure levels across hospital wards and intensive care unit (ICU) rooms to determine annoyance and potential health effects based on perception and risk estimates. An indoor exposure assessment using high precision noise sensors was conducted in a female medical ward (FMW), isolated ward (SLW), emergency ward (EMW), and intensive care unit (ICU) in a public hospital in Muscat city, Oman. Self-administered questionnaire was randomly distributed among respondents using both online and field survey approach to ascertain annoyance, health effects, and potential risks associated with exposure. The study found that 24-h noise levels (LAeq) ranged from 55.2 to 61.7 dB(A) in the hospital wards and ICU rooms, which exceeded WHO's hospital indoor rooms critical limit of 35 dB(A) by 58-76%. A total of 150 participants took part in the survey. Among the respondents, 53% reported moderate annoyance at the hospital wards, while 56% felt sensitivity to the noise levels. Noise annoyance was reported by the majority of the patients across the various wards and emergency rooms as causing slight annoyance (50%) and intermittent sleep disturbances (49%). The majority (73%) of the medical staff have complained that the current noise levels affect overall work performance (p = 0.004), while 70% of them have further complained of it as a cause of workplace distraction (p = 0.011). Logistic binary regression analysis has revealed that the complaint of noise sensitivity has a positive association with noise levels in VCW (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.92-2.58), and reported loss of concentration by the medical staff also associated with noise levels at the EMW (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 0.65-4.01). Quantitative risk estimates showed that both the percentages of highly annoyed (HA) persons (16%), and highly sleep-disturbed (HSD) persons (9%) were very high in FMW, while ICU was found to have the lowest risk. However, the greater number of the respondents (87%) believed that there are possibilities of mitigating (p < 0.001) the current noise levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Amoatey
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, P.C. 123, P.O. Box 33, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Issa Al-Harthy
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, P.C. 123, P.O. Box 33, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
| | - Muntasar Ali Al-Mushaifari
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, P.C. 123, P.O. Box 33, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Khalifa Al-Jabri
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, P.C. 123, P.O. Box 33, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Abdullah Al-Mamun
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, P.C. 123, P.O. Box 33, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
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Bogaert B. Moving Toward Person-Centered Care: Valuing Emotions in Hospital Design and Architecture. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2021; 15:355-364. [PMID: 34879737 DOI: 10.1177/19375867211062101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The intangible value of emotions is often neglected in healthcare evaluations; however, it forms an important part of the hospital experience that needs to be taken into consideration to move toward person-centered care. This article conceptualizes how space and architecture may influence patient, family, and healthcare provider emotions. Building upon Gaston Bachelard's Poetics of Space, theories on emotional design and architecture, as well as research in environmental design, we suggest several ways to value emotions in hospital design and architecture. The first theme explores several hospital spaces (the waiting room, the hospital room, the treatment room) using Bachelard's phenomenology in order to show how to facilitate emotional security by catering to the individual needs of the user. The second discusses the overall hospital room environment, notably the influence of light, color, and sound on the patient's emotional experience. The third explores architectural theorist Giuliana Bruno's theory of e(motion) to explore the hospital space as vissuto, a space of lived experiences, that invites us to rethink the design and architecture of hospital spaces to allow for patient participation. The article also gives suggestions of qualitative, person-centered methodologies that can be used to move forward this debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Bogaert
- Healthcare Values Chair, Institut de Recherches Philosophiques de Lyon. Université Jean Moulin 3, Lyon, France
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Ann Jarvis M, Smith L. Distanced behind the mask: The use of non-verbal communication when counselling the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health SA 2021; 26:1665. [PMID: 34909231 PMCID: PMC8661110 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v26i0.1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The stressors caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have influenced both the physical and the mental health of the elderly, increasing their vulnerability. Counselling by the mental healthcare nurse is a critical protective factor in mitigating the mental health effects of COVID-19. However, counselling is unintentionally interrupted by the effects of the mask as a barrier to non-verbal communication. This commentary aims at conscientisation of mental healthcare nursing practice interruptions to non-verbal communication, brought upon by the pandemic. Practice recommendations focus on mask-wearing becoming less of a stressor to offset the challenges experienced by both the elderly and the mental healthcare nurses. CONTRIBUTION The authors conclude that a need exists to revisit the fundamentals of counselling, and show initiative to addressing the practice challenges created by the wearing of masks yet simultaneously contribute to #flatten_the_mental_illness_curve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann Jarvis
- School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lourett Smith
- School of Clinical Care Sciences and Medicinal Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
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Mathiesen SL, Aadal L, Uldbæk ML, Astrup P, Byrne DV, Wang QJ. Music Is Served: How Acoustic Interventions in Hospital Dining Environments Can Improve Patient Mealtime Wellbeing. Foods 2021; 10:foods10112590. [PMID: 34828871 PMCID: PMC8622365 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Eating-related challenges and discomforts arising from moderately acquired brain injuries (ABI)—including physiological and cognitive difficulties—can interfere with patients’ eating experience and impede the recovery process. At the same time, external environmental factors have been proven to be influential in our mealtime experience. This experimental pilot study investigates whether redesigning the sonic environment in hospital dining areas can positively influence ABI patients’ (n = 17) nutritional state and mealtime experience. Using a three-phase between-subjects interventional design, we investigate the effects of installing sound proofing materials and playing music during the lunch meals at a specialised ABI hospital unit. Comprising both quantitative and qualitative research approaches and data acquisition methods, this project provides multidisciplinary and holistic insights into the importance of attending to sound in hospital surroundings. Our results demonstrate that improved acoustics and music playback during lunch meals might improve the mealtime atmosphere, the patient well-being, and social interaction, which potentially supports patient food intake and nutritional state. The results are discussed in terms of potential future implications for the healthcare sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Lund Mathiesen
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (D.V.B.); (Q.J.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-2577-2779
| | - Lena Aadal
- Hammel Neurorehabilitation and Research Center, 8450 Hammel, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Peter Astrup
- Test and Development Center for Welfaretech, 8800 Viborg, Denmark;
| | - Derek Victor Byrne
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (D.V.B.); (Q.J.W.)
| | - Qian Janice Wang
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; (D.V.B.); (Q.J.W.)
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Weaver J. The sound of medicine. BMJ 2020; 371:m4682. [PMID: 33318064 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m4682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Weaver
- EPSRC and AHRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Media and Arts Technology, Queen Mary University of London, UK
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Cvach M, Doyle P, Wong SY, Letnaunchyn K, Dell D, Mamaril M. Decreasing Pediatric PACU Noise Level and Alarm Fatigue: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Safety and Satisfaction. J Perianesth Nurs 2020; 35:357-364. [PMID: 32362515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe how a pediatric postanesthesia care unit used a two-phased approach of bundled interventions to reduce unit noise levels and improve staff perceptions of their work environment. DESIGN Pre/post design. METHODS Postanesthesia care unit sound levels and monitor alarms were measured at baseline and after implementing both project phases. Nursing staff members were surveyed at baseline and after completion of the project. FINDINGS Monitor alarms were reduced by more than 50% after Phase I. However, noise measurement data did not reflect a difference in sound levels between baseline and intervention phases. Despite this, staff perceived the unit as much quieter. CONCLUSIONS The reduction in monitor alarms did not cause an appreciable change in sound levels as measured by noise dosimeters in either intervention phase. Despite these findings, nurses perceived a quieter and more pleasant workplace. These impressions might have resulted from subjective expectations versus actual volume levels, or they might owe to the reduction in incidence of alarms themselves, which they had viewed as nuisance sounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cvach
- Department of Integrated Healthcare Delivery, Johns Hopkins Health System, Baltimore, MD.
| | - Peter Doyle
- Department of Clinical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sereniti Young Wong
- Department of Nursing, The Johns Hopkins Hospital-The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kimberly Letnaunchyn
- Department of Nursing, The Johns Hopkins Hospital-The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Deborah Dell
- Department of Nursing, The Johns Hopkins Hospital-The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Myrna Mamaril
- Department of Nursing, The Johns Hopkins Hospital-The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center, Baltimore, MD
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Gélat P, David AL, Haqhenas SR, Henriques J, Thibaut de Maisieres A, White T, Jauniaux E. Evaluation of fetal exposure to external loud noise using a sheep model: quantification of in utero acoustic transmission across the human audio range. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 221:343.e1-343.e11. [PMID: 31152712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is mounting evidence that neural memory traces are formed by auditory learning in utero and that premature newborns are particularly sensitive to the intense, sustained noises or impulses sounds associated with the use of intensive care equipment. One area of critical importance is the determination of sound level exposure in utero associated with maternal occupation. The attenuation factors provided by the abdomen and tissue as well as the routes by which the inner ear receives stimulation need careful consideration and investigation to provide prenatal protection from external sound levels and frequencies that may cause harm. OBJECTIVE To measure how sound from external sound sources is transmitted to the fetus inside the uterus of a pregnant sheep in 6 Hz frequency steps between 100 Hz and 20 kHz (ie, across most of the human audio range). STUDY DESIGN We measured acoustic transfer characteristics in vivo in 6 time-mated singleton pregnant Romney ewes (gestational age, 103-130 days, weight, 54-74 kg). Under general anesthesia and at hysterotomy, a calibrated hydrophone was attached to the occiput of the fetal head within the amniotic sac. Two calibrated microphones were positioned in the operating theater, close to the head and to the body of each ewe. Initial experiments were carried out on 3 pregnant ewes 3 days after transport recovery to inform the data acquisition protocol. This was followed by detailed data acquisition of 3 pregnant ewes under general anesthesia, using external white noise signals. Voltage signals were acquired with 2 calibrated microphones, located near the head and the body of each ewe and with a calibrated hydrophone located in the amniotic fluid. RESULTS Measurement of acoustic transmission through the maternal abdominal and uterine walls indicates that frequency contents above 10 kHz are transmitted into the amniotic sac and that some frequencies are attenuated by as little as 3 dB. CONCLUSION This study provides new data about in utero sound transmission of external noise sources beyond physiological noise (cardiovascular, respiratory, and intestinal sounds), which help quantity the potential for fetal physiological damage resulting from exposure to high levels of noise during pregnancy. Fine-frequency acoustic attenuation characteristics are essential to inform standards and clinical recommendations on exposure of pregnant women to noise. Such transfer functions may also inform the design of filters to produce an optimal acoustic setting for maternal occupational noise exposure, use of magnetic resonance imaging during pregnancy, and for neonatal incubators.
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Narayanasamy A. Stop the noise. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2019; 28:1046. [PMID: 31518533 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2019.28.16.1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aru Narayanasamy
- Honorary Associate Professor and National Teaching Fellow, Higher Education Academy, UK
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