Authors (including presenting author) :
Fok WY(1), Kwok SS(1), Lam WH(1), Man YW(1), Mo PK(1), Wong KKS(1), Ip MY(1), Cheng SM(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Pediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital
Introduction :
Preterm infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) are exposed to excessive sensory stimuli, potentially impacting their development. Quiet time is defined as a period during which controllable light and sound are reduced, and infant handling is minimized. Studies show a number of benefits of quiet time for preterm neonates, including stabilized heart and respiratory rates, increased sleep duration and quality, reduced stress, and improved growth and development. This project focused on implementing a Quiet Time programme in the NICU of Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) to reduce environmental stimuli and promote sleep.
Objectives :
This programme aimed to implement and evaluate a quiet time period in the NICU at PWH by: (1) implementing a structured quiet time programme focusing on noise reduction, light control, and minimal handling; (2) enhancing nurses’ knowledge about quiet time benefits; and (3) raising staff awareness on maintaining a quiet environment for preterm infants.
Methodology :
This programme implemented a daily 60-minute quiet time period (12:45-13:45) for premature infants born before 37 weeks gestation. The intervention encompassed comprehensive environmental modification, including noise reduction (target < 65 dB), light control (target < 50 Lux), and minimal handling. Staff education was conducted through small group training sessions, with knowledge assessment through pre- and post-tests. Data collection was conducted by measuring vital signs, activity levels, and environmental parameters before, during, and after the quiet time period.
Result & Outcome :
The implementation demonstrated variable reduction in environmental stimuli during quiet time periods, sound level decreased by 1-9 dB, and light level was effectively reduced to 0 Lux. While physiological parameters showed no significant changes, behavioural observations indicated increased sleep during quiet time periods. Staff knowledge showed significant improvement post-education, from 45% to 98%, with enhanced awareness of developmental needs and environmental impact on preterm infants. High compliance rates (90-100%) and positive behavioural changes among staff suggested successful protocol adoption. The Quiet Time programme successfully increased staff knowledge and awareness and reduced environmental stimuli in the NICU. It is effective in promoting preterm neonates' sleep and thus other benefits. It is recommended to further refine the Quiet Time programme and to continue its implementation in the NICU.
