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The impact of architectural design upon the environmental sound and light exposure of neonates who require intensive care: an evaluation of the Boekelheide Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery

Journal of Perinatology volume 27, pages S20–S28 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives:

To evaluate the differences in environmental sound, illumination and physiological parameters in the Boekelheide Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (BNICU), which was designed to comply with current recommendations and standards, as compared with a conventional neonatal intensive care unit (CNICU).

Study Design:

Prospectively designed observational study.

Result:

Median sound levels in the unoccupied BNICU (37.6 dBA) were lower than the CNICU (42.1 dBA, P<0.001). Median levels of minimum (6.4 vs 48.4 lux, P<0.05) and maximum illumination (357 vs 402 lux, P<0.05) were lower in the BNICU. A group of six neonates delivered at 32 weeks gestation showed significantly less periodic breathing (14 vs 21%) and awake time (17.6 vs 29.3%) in the BNICU as compared to the CNICU.

Conclusion:

Light and sound were both significantly reduced in the BNICU. Care in the BNICU was associated with improved physiological parameters.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the following organizations: the Sanford Health System, the Sanford Health Research Foundation and the Foundation for the Advancement of Medical Education and Research of the Sanford School of Medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sanford Children's Hospital and Speciality Clinic, Sioux Falls, SD, USA,

    D C Stevens, M Akram Khan, D P Munson, E J Reid & C C Helseth

  2. Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, SD, USA

    D C Stevens, M Akram Khan & D P Munson

  3. Ellerbe Becket, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA

    J Buggy

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  1. D C Stevens
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Correspondence to D C Stevens.

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Stevens, D., Akram Khan, M., Munson, D. et al. The impact of architectural design upon the environmental sound and light exposure of neonates who require intensive care: an evaluation of the Boekelheide Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery. J Perinatol 27 (Suppl 2), S20–S28 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211838

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