Light and Sound Environment:

Abstract

Literature reflects an increasing awareness by health care professional of the possible negative effects of the light and sound environment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A 115-item questionnaire was mailed to head nurses of NICUs in large medical institution in order to explore the measures used to control the light and sound environment. Results of this study indicate that a variety of measures to control light and sound are used in neonatal care. Numerous staff members, policies, equipment modifications and design features were named as measures to modify the environment. Occupational and physical therapist as a member of the neonatal intensive care team can problem-solve using these measures to implement individual infant care plans as well as recommend changes in infant routines and NICU design.