Cambridge tailors healthcare environmental sound masking for patient privacy

The new Qt Patient Privacy System from Cambridge Sound Management (Waltham, MA) uses the company's direct-field sound masking technology to protect patient and staff speech privacy in medical office waiting areas, exam rooms, and pharmacies.

“Our healthcare customers and designers have been asking for a simplified speech protection system that could be easily deployed in open reception areas to protect sensitive conversations between patients and staff," explains Christopher Calisi, CEO of Cambridge Sound Management.

The system's all-in-one privacy solution consists of a control module, two lighted privacy status signs, and a series of direct-field sound masking emitters. The control module is easily installed behind a reception desk or in a back office; the system's lighted privacy signs inform patients and staff that their conversations are protected.

The system's barely visible direct-field sound masking emitters can be installed in any ceiling type. The system is installed by Cambridge Sound Management’s extensive network of certified sound masking specialists.

According to Cambridge Sound: "The Qt Patient Privacy System helps protect patient privacy by making conversations in healthcare environments less intelligible to unintended listeners. Often overlooked in healthcare design is the lack of speech privacy in reception areas where private conversations can be easily overheard. Furthermore, many patient exam rooms often don’t provide adequate speech privacy due to a lack of sound blocking building material. With an increased focus on patient quality of care and achieving HIPAA privacy regulations, the Qt Patient Privacy system is an affordable solution to solve an important problem."

Calisi concludes, “Helping medical staff and facility managers meet HIPAA privacy rules – while simultaneously improving the overall patient experience – was the core driver behind this exciting product.”