Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the impact of ward noise reduction on physiological indicators and psychological stress responses in patients after skin plastic surgery. METHOD: This retrospective study analysed data from 130 patients. The conventional group comprised 68 patients who did not receive noise reduction management between August 2021 and June 2023, whereas the noise reduction group comprised 62 patients who received such management between July 2023 and August 2024. Wound pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at multiple time points. Psychological stress responses were measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Sleep quality was assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and physiological indicators included heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Ward's sound intensity was also recorded. Comparisons were made between groups before and 2 weeks after noise reduction. RESULTS: Two weeks after noise reduction, the noise reduction group demonstrated significantly lower VAS scores, State Anxiety Inventory and Trait Anxiety Inventory subscale scores of the STAI, BDI scores, AIS scores, HR, SBP and DBP than the conventional group (P < 0.05). Ward sound intensity was also significantly lower in the noise reduction group than in the conventional group within the 2-week period (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ward noise reduction can alleviate early postoperative pain in patients undergoing skin plastic surgery, reduce psychological stress responses, their associated physiological effects and improve sleep quality.