Silencing the ICU by Alawi Luetz

Considering all available evidence, we redesigned two ICU rooms with the aim of investigating the physiological and clinical impact of a healing environment, including a noise reduction and day-night variations of sound level. Within an experimental design, we recorded 96 h of sound-pressure levels in standard ICU rooms and the modified ICU rooms. In addition, we performed a sound source observation by human observers.

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Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit by Alawi Luetz

The Intensive Care Unit is a potentially hostile environment to the vulnerable critically ill patient. In addition to the physical stress of illness, pain, sedation, interventions, and mechanical ventilation, there are psychological and psychosocial stressors perceived by these patients. 
Teresa Nauber highlights the importance of delirium prevention strategies and the need for a person-centered ICU environment.

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