病房換藥車噪音改善專案

A Project to Reduce the Noise from the Wheels of Dressing Change Trolleys in Hospital Wards

噪音會影響人的情緒，造成心理上不愉快或緊張的生理反應，而醫院中卻頻繁發生噪音問題，尤其以夜間影響病患的睡眠。本專案以病房內最主要的噪音源--換藥車推動聲為改善重點，以觀察及實驗確認換藥車之噪音來源，運用科學方法量測噪音，並藉與其他部門之專業協助，分別以工程控制及建立保養制度來改善噪音，達到病患抱怨件數由每週平均2~3件，下降至0件，換藥車推動時之噪音由81.54dB下降至35.44dB，確實達到改善換藥車噪音之目的，提供一更安靜之夜眠環境，使病患能獲得更良好之醫療照護品質。

Noise affects human emotions and this may results in unpleasant or nervous physiological reactions. However, noise happens in hospitals frequently and this is particularly a problem during the night when patients are asleep. This project focused on reducing the noise caused by the wheels of dressing change trolleys, which are a major source of ward noise. This was carried out in a targeted manner by observation, experimentation and scientific measurement of the noise. Specialized assistance by other departments was obtained in order to determine the factors causing the noise. The noise was reduced signifi cantly by engineering control and the establishment of a trolley maintenance system. As a result, patient complaints were reduced from 2 to 3 times per week to none per week and, furthermore, overall noise volume was decreased from 81.54dB to 35.44dB. Thus, the interventions specifi cally were able to reduce this type of noise in the ward, provide a quieter sleep environment and this should result in better overall medical care.