RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate exposure of neonates to noise during air medical transport as few commercially available hearing protective devices exist for premature newborns during air medical transport. METHODS: Sound pressure levels in an infant incubator during actual flight conditions in four common medically configured aircraft were measured. Three noise dosimeters measured time-weighted average noise exposure during flight in each aircraft. One dosimeter was placed in the infant incubator, and the remaining dosimeters recorded noise levels in various parts of the aircraft cabin. RESULTS: The incubator provided a 6-dBA decrease in noise exposure from that in the crew cabin. The average noise level in the incubator in all aircraft was close to 80 dB, much higher than the proposed limits of 45 dB for neonatal intensive care unit noise exposure or 60 dB during transport. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of neonates to elevated noise levels during transport may be harmful, and steps should be taken to protect the hearing of this patient population.
Asunto(s)
Ambulancias Aéreas , Dispositivos de Protección de los Oídos , Pérdida Auditiva Provocada por Ruido/prevención & control , Incubadoras para Lactantes , Recien Nacido Prematuro , Ruido , Femenino , Pérdida Auditiva Provocada por Ruido/etiología , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Monitoreo Fisiológico , Ruido/efectos adversos , Ruido/prevención & control , Medición de Riesgo , Transporte de Pacientes/métodosRESUMEN
Noise has been shown to interfere with the healing process and can disrupt the patient's experience. This study assessed patients' and staff's perceptions of noise levels and sources in the hospital environment and identified interventions to reduce the noise level. The interventions significantly reduced noise as perceived by patients and staff. Identification of a structured process to identify noise sources and standardization of noise measurement methods can improve the patient hospital experience.
Asunto(s)
Actitud del Personal de Salud , Actitud Frente a la Salud , Ambiente de Instituciones de Salud/organización & administración , Pacientes Internos/psicología , Ruido/prevención & control , Personal de Enfermería en Hospital/psicología , Recolección de Datos , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Sistemas de Comunicación en Hospital , Humanos , Minnesota , Evaluación de Necesidades , Ruido/efectos adversos , Investigación en Evaluación de Enfermería , Investigación Metodológica en Enfermería , Evaluación de Procesos y Resultados en Atención de Salud , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de Salud , Investigación Cualitativa , Medición de Riesgo , Factores de Riesgo , Espectrografía del Sonido , Factores de Tiempo , Gestión de la Calidad Total/organización & administraciónRESUMEN
Allergy to natural rubber latex is an important cause of occupational allergy in healthcare workers. Disposable medical gloves are the major reservoir of latex allergens, particularly powdered gloves, in healthcare delivery settings. Diagnosis of latex allergy requires a history of exacerbation of cutaneous, respiratory, ocular, or systemic signs and symptoms after exposure to natural rubber latex products; and evidence of sensitization by patch testing, skin testing, measurement of latex-specific IgE antibodies, or challenge testing. Optimal management of latex allergy involves education concerning cross-reacting allergens, reduction of cutaneous or mucosal contact with dipped rubber products, and minimization of exposure to latex aeroallergens in work environments.
