Quiet Healing: Transforming ED Soundscapes for Patient Experience and Staff Efficiency
Care Process & Redesign
Singapore Healthcare Management Congress
SingHealth
11 February 2026
Optimising noise levels in SKH Emergency Department within 3 months to improve patient's quality of rest in ED and ensure. The successful reduction in ED noise levels has directly enhanced patient experience by promoting a calmer environment and improving.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 11 February 2026
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workflow Redesign, Quality Improvement, Cost Saving, Productivity, Patient Reported Experience Measures, Value Based Care
About this Content
Aims
Optimising noise levels in SKH Emergency Department within 3 months to improve patient's quality of rest in ED and ensure better acoustics for clearer staff and patient interactions.
Background
As the first point of contact for acute cases, Emergency Department (ED) must balance efficient care with a healing environment. Studies have shown that hospital noise levels frequently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, with EDs recording levels equivalent to busy city traffic.
Methods
1. Root Case Analysis: Using the Ishikawa diagram, the Public Address (PA) system was identified as the most consistent source of noise in ED. 2. PICK Chart: Walkie-talkies were selected as the most viable solution for streamlining ED communications based on criteria like instantaneous dialogue and dedicated team channels. 3. Phased Implementation Plan: Targeted distribution of walkie-talkies for usability testing followed by a week-long pilot test.
Results
Reduction of non-emergent PA calls by 75 per day. A 20% improvement in acoustic comfort over one month as shown by patient surveys. Over 70% of ED staff prefer using walkie-talkies over the PA system.
Conclusion
The successful reduction in ED noise levels has directly enhanced patient experience by promoting a calmer environment and improving communication of care instructions.
Lessons Learnt
The implementation of walkie-talkies reduced overall noise disruption in ED compared to the PA system, enabling immediate two-way communication and minimizing workplace disruptions.
Keywords
Noise Reduction, Patient Experience, Staff Efficiency, Emergency Department, Communication
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Sengkang General Hospital |
Platform(s) | Singapore Healthcare Management Congress |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Emergency Medicine |
Project Lead(s) | Tian Zhi Hao |
Project Member(s) | Jenny Ng |
Connect with this contributor!
Singapore Healthcare Management Secretariat - singaporehealthcaremanagement@singhealth.com.sg