Behavioral modification of healthcare professionals in an adult critical care unit to reduce nocturnal noise: An evidence based implementation project

The intensive care environment is intrinsically noisy, with noise emanating from a multitude of sources, as a result patients commonly experience sleep disturbance. The main causal factor of sleep disturbance has been cited as being environmental noise, in particular noise generated by staff and clinical monitoring which are amendable to behavior modification. Objectives The aim of this project was to implement a behavior modification program in order to reduce nocturnal noise levels within an Intensive Care Unit. Methods The project used the Joanna Briggs Institutes Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice audit tool for promoting change in health practice. A baseline audit was conducted followed by a knowledge promotion strategy targeted at clinicians and follow-up audit. Results Compliance with the evidence based recommendations increased by 8% to 10% post the knowledge promotion program. Nocturnal noise levels did not decrease despite increased clinical knowledge. Conclusions The findings indicate that enhanced clinical knowledge does not indicate that behavioral changes will be adopted by clinicians. Further, research is needed to identify strategies that clinical staff will readily adopt and implement in order to reduce nocturnal noise levels.