Strategies to decrease noise in the emergency department

Factors that contribute to noisy emergency departments are explored in this comprehensive literature search.  Considerations in communication technologies and in the physical design of the department are reviewed.  Big EDs with a central hub have been found to be especially noisy.  Some hospitals have experimented with eliminating or reducing overhead paging and with dedicated cellphones. 

Source: Welch, S.J., and others.  Strategies for improving communication in the emergency department: mediums and messages in a noisy environment.  The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety;39(6):279-286, June 2013.  Click here for publisher’s website: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jcaho/jcjqs/2013/00000039/00000006/art00008;jsessionid=a7rolf9pjlds.victoria  Posted by AHA Resource Center, (312) 422-2003, rc@aha.org