Hospital Environmental Exposure
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorUniversity of Leicester
About this trial
There is an increasing body of evidence that human health is affected by environmental factors such as air quality, noise and light. This applies to both indoor and outdoor environments. While there have been several studies looking at homes, offices and work environments, hospital environments are still poorly characterised. Indoor hospital environments are complex, and patients with various health conditions can spend extended periods of time in wards. A number of studies have reported an association of air pollution exposure and a disturbance to sleep. A lack of sleep, or poor and disrupted sleep can impact health. Disturbed sleep therefore can impact a patient's recovery in hospital wards. In addition to the exposure to air pollutants, noise and light levels within the hospital environment can also have an impact on patient health. Inadequate, or a disrupted light and dark cycles can impact the circadian rhythm of the human body, responsible for the sleep cycle. In this study, the investigators aim to characterise these exposures and address the impact of these exposures on the patient sleep. Given the links between sleep and the environmental conditions.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Hospital admission with a diagnosis that requires at least 2 nights.
Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study. If a patient for example has dementia and/ or the inability to retain information or if they are unable to wear the device, they will not be consented.
Aged 18 years or above.
Able (in the ward staff, research team and investigator's opinion) and willing to comply with all study requirements.
Disqualifiers
Any significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the investigator, may either put the participants or other patients at risk because of participation in the study, or may influence the result of the study, or the participant's ability to participate in the study.
Reported history of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) or insomnia.
Trial population
University Hospitals Leicester Patients
Trial design
Design model
Other
Time perspective
Prospective
Treatments tested in this trial
Not listed
Trial groups
No trial groups listed
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in selected hospital wards
Using air quality sensors installed within selected wards, the concentrations of NO2 (ugm-3) will be measured. Hourly averaged NO2 concentration data will be collected continuously until the end of the data collection period.
Time frame
From the start of the data collection period to June 2026, an average of 1 year, 6 months2
Comparisons of NO2 concentrations measured in selected hospital wards with published guidelines
Concentrations of NO2 measured within wards will be compared with World Health Organisation (WHO) daily averaged and annual guidelines of NO2 concentrations. Measurements of NO2 will also be compared against UK hourly and annual mean guideline NO2 concentrations.
Time frame
From the start of the data collection period to June 2026, an average of 1 year, 6 months3
Concentrations of ozone (O3) in selected hospital wards
Using air quality sensors installed within selected wards, the concentrations of O3 (ugm-3). Hourly averaged O3 concentration data will be collected continuously until the end of the data collection period.
Time frame
From the start of the data collection period to June 2026, an average of 1 year, 6 months4
Concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) in selected hospital wards
Using air quality sensors installed within selected wards, the concentrations of PM2.5 (ugm-3). Hourly averaged PM2.5 concentration data will be collected continuously until the end of the data collection period.
Time frame
Through study completion, an average of 1 year, 11 monthsSecondary outcomes
1
Suggested interventions which could be used to improve the patient's environment within the hospital.
The patient will be asked to complete a sleep diary. The sleep diary will also ask the patient to list any environmental conditions (light or noise) that disturbs their sleep. This data will be used to suggest methods that can be used to improve the light and noise levels within that specific ward.
Time frame
Through study completion, an average of 1 year, 11 monthsSponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
University of Leicester
Lead sponsor
University Hospitals, Leicester
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov