Noise Pollution Management in Hospitals: A Systematic Review

Noise pollution is known as one of the main problems in terms of environmental engineering in hospitals.
Noise pollution in the hospital can adversely affect the patient's health and the performance of staff in providing medical services. Therefore, the evaluation of noise pollution and its subsequent control can be effective in improving the performance of hospitals.

To conduct this study, different articles from eight scientific databases were considered using related keywords
in the period 1996 to 2020. Accordingly, 24 articles were reviewed using a 15-point questionnaire.

The results of the evaluation of the studied hospitals showed that the noise level inside and outside these hospitals was higher than the allowable limit. According to reports, factors including patients arguing with nurses, crowds of patients relatives, children, watching TV and talking on cell phones cause noise pollution in hospitals.

In order to reduce the noise in hospitals, in the first place, it is necessary to pay attention to the correct location
of the hospital building and the proper arrangement of the wards. In addition, sound-absorbing materials can be used on the walls, ceiling and floor of the rooms as an efficient option. Finally, educating staff about noise pollution and ways to control it is very effective.