Effects of Noise Pollution on Patients, Nurses and physicians in Hospital - Review Article

Hospitals are considered one of the most critical places in relation to noise pollution. Hospitals are affected by noise pollution and as a healthcare environment, this can have adverse effect on the health, safety and welfare of patients and staff. In addition to the need for a calm environment for a desirable health service, it is important to pay attention to the comfort of patients during their hospitalization to aid disease improvement. Noise pollution is an environmental stressor with well-known physiological and psychological effects. The body's response to noise pollution is the same as responses to stress and excessive work, and thus can disrupt health. Studies clearly indicate that if a hospital's noise pollution level exceeds recommended levels, complications in patients are likely to increase. What is less known is the effects of hospital noise on physicians and nurses. The purpose of this review is to discuss hospital noise pollution and its effects on patients, physicians and nurses. Because physicians and nurses spend more time in the hospital during their professional life, they experience a higher level of noise pollution. There is a need for physicians and nurses to have a healthy work environment that is quiet and healing for them as well as for patients.