Here are seven actions hospitals can take to address noise levels in the OR, as listed by The Joint Commission.
- Create a “no-interruption zone” to prohibit nonessential conversation and activities during critical phases of a surgery.
- Measure noise levels in the OR to provide evidence for noise-reduction strategies and empirical data to demonstrate the efficacy of such strategies. Measurements can also provide real-time information to the OR team, informing them when noise levels are exceeding recommended levels.
- Educate staff on how OR noise affects patient and staff safety, and offer noise reduction strategies.
- Use alternative equipment that produces less noise in the OR, whenever possible.
- Consider the physical environment of the OR and identify ways to reduce noise, such as cutting down on the amount of times metal surgical tools are dropped on instrument trays.
- Use simulation and training to enhance clinicians’ focused attention skills amid noise and distractions.
- Consider simulation training to practice and assess the efficacy of noise-reduction strategies.
More articles on infection control and clincial quality:
3 things to know about Fungal Disease Awareness Week
Chickenpox outbreak hits San Diego State University football team
3 things to know about 3M’s new sterilization test
