A comparative study to determine nursing staff attitudes towards daily allocation of quiet time before and after implementation

A study was undertaken to establish nursing staff attitudes towards quiet time, both before and after implementation of a daily programme consisting of 2 h of quiet time a day on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Quiet time was defined as a 2 h period of time each day where lights were dimmed and incubators covered, noise reduced, and routine procedures postponed. Questionnaires were given to all members of the nursing team, namely qualified nurses, midwives and nursery nurses, all with permanent positions on the NICU. Following the first data collection from initial questionnaires, the intervention of a daily allocation of 2 h of quiet time was implemented for 6 weeks. During the intervention staff were given letters, and posters were put up around the unit explaining the concept of quiet time and what measures staff should be employing during this time. Questionnaires were repeated following this intervention. The results were analysed using SPSS and found that some statements had differences in attitude prior to and following implementation. From anecdotal conversations it was found that staff were compliant with and welcomed implementing quiet time and that parents were interested in aiding the implementation.