High quality acoustics are a key factor for improving hospital and healthcare facilities, and thus improving the patient experience and service. Acoustics-based facility improvements also result in a better financial bottom line.

 

The acoustics of healthcare facilities begins with noise issues. The noise problems to be solved include quieting equipment such as the building HVAC systems, power plants and MRI units. These facility components must be part of a quiet environment for patients, workers and neighbors.

 

After solving the noise problems, the next task is to improve the quality of the sonic environment. This includes protecting the speech privacy of patients in admitting areas to comply with HIPPA rules. Speech intelligibility for clear and precise communication of patient care objectives must be enhanced in many facility areas, such as the ER, OR, post-op, nurse stations and patient rooms.

 

For many facility operators the patient experience is paramount, in light of recent HCAHPS rules. One HCAHPS exit survey questions is, “Was the area around your room quiet at night.” A reward or penalty on the provider’s total Medicare reimbursements can be assessed, depending on their HCAHPS scores. That result will directly affect a facility’s financial performance.

 

These are some of the many reasons that the acoustical quality of a facility should be part of the total facility improvement plan. A good start is to conduct an audit to assess the existing acoustical conditions in a facility. Then include acoustical upgrades in the facility maintenance and capital improvement plans.