New study exploring Emergency Department clinical noise exposure

New study exploring Emergency Department clinical noise exposure

A new research study is underway to better understand the impact of noise exposure on Emergency Department (ED) staff, with the aim of improving wellbeing, communication and clinical performance.

The study will collect data over a 16-week period starting in July 2025.

It involves ED staff from a range of roles and shift types wearing small shoulder-mounted personal noise dosimeters (Svantek SV104) during their shifts.

This devices have been donated to Barwon Health from Svantek to undertake the study.

These devices measure individual noise exposure, including average, peak and cumulative sound levels.

The devices do not record audio, conversations, or video, and they do not collect any patient information.

We know the Emergency Department can be a noisy environment for patients, but it is also noisy for staff. This research study will help us assess these noise levels and use the data to make the environment better for everyone.

Learn more about the study
Contact Dr Anna Mysliborski via [email protected] for more information about the study.

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Ethics information

Project ID: 116474

Review Reference: QA/116474/VICBH-2025-470870(v2)

Local reference: 25/22