How Hospitals are Improving Patient Care

Sound Masking and Other Methods

May 10, 2009 Rica Lewis

With the average patient stay in a hospital now reduced to a mere 4.9 days, hospitals are doing all they can to make the patient experience a positive one.

There are many factors that contribute to a relaxed atmosphere, one that is conducive to comfort and rest. From little things like soft blankets, and better meal options to bigger issues like staff availability, and noise reduction. Patients being forced home in a shorter time frame than what was formerly acceptable is now necessary for the budget. HMOs are finding one effective way to decrease costs is to reduce the length of stay for a hospitalized patient.

Atmosphere

We’re all familiar with the phrase “there’s no place like home.” With that in mind, how have hospitals created a more home-like atmosphere for the patient? One that may feel a little less like a medical facility, even sound more relaxed, and help a patient better prepare for the road of recovery?

Interactive Entertainment

One thing that may help ease an agitated patient, and mask any external interference is the skylight system. Some hospitals have installed this interactive entertainment making applications like: Hollywood movies, games, and internet access, available with the click of the television remote control. Relaxation is easy with content such as: guided imagery, and spiritual meditations. There are music channels available, where a patient can snooze to the sounds of a symphony, nature, or whichever sounds he finds stimulating.

Sound Masking

The fancy floors that may be seen in hospitals are not just for appearance sake, they represent another attempt to alleviate excessive noise. These special floors have been installed to soften the sounds of the traffic flow in hallways, and around patient rooms.

Surveys

Hospitals are also making a point to point the finger. Staff are encouraged to keep noise levels minimal, and maintain conversation in out of the way places like nursing stations. Patients are being surveyed, and asked to answer specific questions regarding their caregivers and the noise level. The surveys are sent to the patients post stay, and are evaluated by an outside agency that creates a compilation of the scores and presents them to the hospital. In some cases these surveys determine the outcome of raises and other staff benefits.

Call Lights

New call light systems that are visible, but virtually silent, are now in place. This is a great improvement from the old blaring and buzzing that clamors in other facilities such as nursing homes, or other care facilities.

By putting to practice these techniques to reduce the racket, many patients are being ushered into the next phase of recovery (whether at home or a rehabilitation center) with a sense of serenity.

The copyright of the article How Hospitals are Improving Patient Care in Seniors' Health/Medicare is owned by Rica Lewis . Permission to republish How Hospitals are Improving Patient Care in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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