In a survey of 20 hospitals, all but one hospital reported that the constant alarms of hospital technology are a potential threat to patient safety, according to an article on the Fast Company website.
When alarms are sounding for minor, non-emergency issues healthcare providers can become desensitized. The added stress of the hospital’s noise can also make sick people sicker.
A new system monitors patients’ vital signs, like heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation, with pleasant-sounding melodies instead of alarms.
To untrained ears, Man Made Music’s system sounds like the kind of ambient noise or peaceful muzak you’d hear in a spa, with a soothing low hum and bright, happy notes layered on top. But concealed within the music is a sonic data system based on two tones. A lower base tone indicates heart rate, with a higher tone representing blood oxygen saturation. The closer the interval between the two notes, the more there’s a problem with a patient’s oxygen levels. To represent blood pressure, there’s a cooing, bird-like sound that goes from low to high, the article said.
Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities
Penobscot Valley Hospital Reports Data Security Incident
Ballad Health Acquires Land for Future Unicoi County Hospital
Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 
Brookdale Senior Living Announces Acquisition of the Brookdale Galleria Community