Quiet Time

Boehm and Morast discuss how the 28-bed medical-surgical unit at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City reduce noise levels by implementing a quite time and assess patient satisfaction surveys, which patients complete after they are discharged. In summary, the nursing staff initially found it challenging to stay out of the patients' rooms during quiet time. They had to modify their work flow to comply with the quiet hour. But as the survey demonstrated, most of the nurses recognize the value of quiet time for their patients and themselves. And as the patient satisfaction surveys show, quiet time hasn't eliminated concerns about noise on the unit. Overall, patient, family, and staff feedback has been positive. The noise levels are lower and patients are better able to rest during their stays.