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Original Article |
Facility and Operations Planning for Quiet Hospital Nurseries |
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| Jack B Evans PE1 and M Kathleen Philbin RN PhD2 |
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1Jack Evans and Associates, Inc.
2Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Houston Medical School, Houston, TX
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Correspondence to: M. Kathleen Philbin RN , University of Texas, Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, Room 6.133, Houston, TX 77030.
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Abstract |
| Designs for new construction or facility renovation should incorporate vibration and noise control methods appropriate to the occupants and activities of the proposed space. Noise and vibration are environmental factors within a hospital nursery that can affect infant health and development, staff and parent communications, operational efficiencies, and the fatigue/comfort level of all occupants. Facility noise and vibration levels set a threshold that will be increased by operational noise. It is important, therefore, that hospital administrators, clinicians, and facility managers assure that architects, engineers, and builders use appropriate acoustical design criteria, methods, and materials to control noise and vibration. This article discusses architectural design and construction and recommends criteria for achieving quiet nursery environments. Journal of Perinatology 2000; 20:S105-S112. |
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December 2000, Volume 20, Number 8s, Pages S105-S112 |
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