AMBIENT SOUND IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS AND ITS EFFECTS ON PATIENTS AND STAFF: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Sound can affect patients, staff, and visitors in healthcare settings in many ways. The purpose of this review was to synthesize and investigate sound in healthcare settings and the effects of these sounds. Relevant studies published between January 2017 and June 2022 were searched through a systematic literature review process using the Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library databases. A total of 25 papers met the inclusion criteria. The study results cover three main areas: perceived sound sources and sound levels; associations between healthcare settings and sound; and sound’s effects on patients and staff. This study shows that in terms of sound, the environment in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient centers is boisterous. Among other findings, associations were identified between sound and types of healthcare services; activities and behaviors; architectural features and materials; and mobile communication devices. Most studies report that sound has adverse effects on patients and staff, while nursing home-related studies report the positive attitudes of residents to musical activities. By evaluating the multiple sound-related solutions available, this review indicates that future research in this area should focus on the long-term effectiveness of interventions and the provision of standards of practice for optimal sound environments, based on different healthcare settings.