Description of Noise Levels in a Pharmacy Department at a University Hospital.

Objective: Few data are available regarding noise levels in hospital pharmacies. This study mainly aimed to assess noise levels in different areas and during various activities in the pharmacy department of a tertiary care hospital affiliated with Université de Montréal in Canada and identify potential noise sources.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the pharmacy department of Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine. A convenience sample of 30 sites was established to encompass various activities. Noise levels were measured with a sound level meter for three types of activity: office activities, storage, and drug preparation. Noise measurements were conducted for a 1-day period at each site.

Results: The average noise level ranged from 41.9 ± 3.4 dBA to 71.4 ± 0.4 dBA during the day and from 37.5 ± 0.4 dBA to 71.2 ± 0.1 dBA at night. The levels were 50.9 ± 5.6 dBA in offices, 58.0 ± 5.8 dBA in storage areas, and 63.9 ± 9.2 dBA in drug preparation areas. Considering noise distribution by percentile, the L10 ranged from 43.7 to 71.7 dBA, the L50 from 37.8 to 71.3 dBA, and the L90 from 37.2 to 71.1 dBA.

Conclusion: Average noise levels varied widely within the pharmacy department of the studied hospital, and a substantial proportion of it could be due to the building's ventilation system.