Alan Budman / Shutterstock.com

Types of Flooring Matter in Hospitals

Poor acoustics attributed to flooring can lead to decreased patient wellness

By HFT Editorial Staff


Hospitals can provide many services, but a reoccurring complaint from patients is that the facilities are not quiet at night, according to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). The lack of noise reduction can lead to poor decision making, reduced sleep and longer hospital stays. While many factors can contribute to loud noises and echoes, flooring is often an undervalued entity within hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Many types of flooring that offer the clean, sterile materials hospitals need tend to have poor acoustics, according to a whitepaper, “Comparing Acoustic Flooring in Healthcare” by Ecore. For example, when an object hits a surface, the resulting energy is distributed in a variety of ways when it is bounced back, creating sound. Flooring can impact how loud the noise is based on the material. In addition, flooring that contributes to reduced sound levels actually might encourage people to lower their voices, since the space around them is quieter.

Flooring that features a vulcanized composition rubber can soften noises and increases impact time, helping change the characteristics that emit noise, according to the whitepaper. A study by Ecore comparing 5mm layer fusion bonded with 2 mm calendared rubber top layer flooring (Floor A) to 3 mm calendared rubber flooring (Floor B) found that Floor B generates an increase of nearly 50 percent in perceived noise. The first test measured decibel levels between the floors by using the ASTM E3133 standard for measuring the impact sound of floor coverings.

By using evidence-based designs, architects and designers can make informed decisions on ways to improve not only design elements but patient wellness. The test results support the reason EBD is essential in healthcare facilities.



November 5, 2021


Topic Area: Interior Design


Recent Posts

Senior Housing Increases in Third Quarter

More elderly adults are moving into senior care facilities.


Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano to Build New Tower

Construction of the new tower is slated to begin in summer 2025, with an expected opening in fall 2028.


What Caregivers Want from Their Workspaces

Improving the real estate and facilities experience can benefit employee attraction, recruitment and retention.


Bartow Regional Medical Center Breaks Ground on Expansion

Construction is expected to take a few years to complete.


Innovations Thrive Within a Culture of Sustainability

Case study: Creative and unexpected evolutions happen when clear goals and opportunities converge in sustainability pilot projects.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.