St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton, Wis., took the information from a study of how acoustics impact patient satisfaction and used it during its campus reconstruction project, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.
Noise-reducing design strategies were incorporated throughout the new 90-bed patient tower.
The ED and other spaces within the prior hospital were the source of staff and patient complaints about noise levels.
In response, walls were extended up to the ceiling and constructed to reduce sound transfer between exam rooms. Seals on glass exam room doors also were improved, and integrated blinds were added to increase visual privacy.