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Noise Mitigation In The NICU

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The purpose of this paper is to discuss noise mitigation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the contrary use of music therapy to promote maturation of preterm infants. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) combines progressive technology and highly trained health care specialists to work together to create rigorous care plans in regards to the maturation of even the sickest neonates. This includes the implementation of music therapy in regards to noise mitigation. Initially, music therapy research has been ongoing for more than 20 years. During the initiation of development, medical professionals were apprehensive due to lack of research for validation. The use of music therapy not only aids in the decrease of stress in premature …show more content…

Reviews show that music therapy for premature infants has the potential to improve feeding behaviors and sucking patterns as noise can significantly impact the maturation of the premature neonate. “Recorded music, parent voices, and sung lullabies have been shown to increase oxygen saturation, nonnutritive sucking, and weight gain in premature infants” (Loewy, Stewart, Dassler, Telsey, Homel, 2013). However, there is a caution against potential danger of over stimulating the …show more content…

Barriers to change in practice includes whether noise in the Neonatal Intensive Unit (NICU) can be lowered to a goal level because of high traffic, staffing changes, equipment changes, unpredictable noise, alarms, phones, ventilators and certain staff or family resilient to the change (Wachman & Lahav, 2011). The impact of the clinical problem shows to be of low cost in the delivery of care, along with effective and efficient because of the small changes that can be implemented. Numerous interventions are simple tasks that cost nothing but a change in practice such as doing report away from the crib, being mindful when closing doors, changing metal to plastic, creating signs to hang up etc. etc. Further exploration of this topic should be ongoing as there may be things that can be changes or implemented in regards to the safety of the neonate. All Quality and Safety Education for Nurses competencies are important when it comes to the development of a premature infant. With noise mitigation patient – centered care is especially importance because this population is so invasive and unable to communicate. Health care professionals are their advocates for a positive maturation

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