Implementation of a Quiet Time Protocol in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Problem: Sleep disruption among critically ill patients is associated with detrimental health outcomes such as reduced immune and neuroendocrine function. In a large metropolitan hospital’s Neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU), 80% of staff surveyed reported high noise levels which can contribute to environmental ICU sleep disturbances. In this ICU, the average sound level was measured at 55.96 decibels, exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended daytime hospital limit of 45 decibels. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a Quiet Time protocol in a neurosurgical intensive care unit. The Quiet Time protocol was implemented as a practice change to create a quieter and more sleep-friendly environment by minimizing patient sleep disruption, Methods: A Quiet Time protocol was developed and implemented over 10 weeks in a 14-bed neurosurgical intensive care unit following a review of best practices and unit policies, and staff education. The protocol included reduced noise and light levels, and clustering patient care activities from 2:00 to 4:00 pm daily. Nurses completed a protocol audit form daily documenting patients’ demographic data, sleep status and adherence to the protocol. Nursing documentation compliance to the protocol was monitored weekly. Data was collected and tracked weekly via run charts. Unit sound levels were measured with a decibel meter before and during quiet times. Results: Nursing staff Quiet Time protocol compliance rose from 30.77% in Week 1 to 78.26% by Week 10 and with full protocol compliance, patients were reported as asleep 60% of the time. Of the staff surveyed post-implementation, 44% agreed and 44% strongly agreed (totaling 88%) that they would like to use the protocol frequently. Average noise levels from 3:00 to 4:00 pm dropped by 6 decibels from 59.4 dB pre-implementation to 53.3 dB during implementation. Conclusions: Quieter and less stimulating hospital environments can be achieved with Quiet Time protocols when adequate education, nurse buy-in and administrative support exists. Further quality improvement projects on how hospital environments and workflow can be modified to reduce ambient noise are necessary.