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J U LY 2 0 1 5 | O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T
levels in our suites. She says normal talking produces 40 to 60 decibels,
while a rock concert generates as much as 140 decibels. The average
OR produces 77 to 100 decibels, according to her research. That exces-
sive noise in the OR can lead to miscommunication and errors. It can
also heighten workplace stress for your staff, says Dr. Ritchie.
For her study, Dr. Ritchie surveyed 17 anesthesia providers, 23 sur-
geons and 13 nurses about their perceptions of noise levels in the OR.
She says each member of the surgical team has different perceptions
of excessive noise. In her study,
most anesthesia pro-viders and nurs-
es reported having difficulty hearing
in the OR, compared with only
about one-third of surgeons. About
half of the anesthesia providers and
nurses believe noise is generally
excessive, but only 4% of surgeons
seem to be bothered by noise levels.
Alarmingly, her research showed
that average decibel levels were high-
est during critical stages of surgery:
anesthesia induction and emergence, and the pre-op time out. The good
news: It appeared as if surgeons, anesthesia providers and nurses are
equally comfortable in asking for a team member to quiet down. Many
respondents expressed strong opinions about noise levels during sur-
gery, but Dr. Ritchie notes that many facilities don't evaluate or address
the issue.
Dr. Ritchie says it's "paramount" that you address noise pollution in
the OR, and take steps to eliminate controllable noise that interferes
with effective communication and distracts from safe patient care.
Average decibel
levels were highest
during critical
stages of surgery:
anesthesia induction
and emergence, and
the pre-op time out.