Alarm Fatigue Basics
What is alarm fatigue?
Desensitization and apathy of healthcare providers to the sounds of an overwhelming number of repetitive or simultaneous alarms?
Name one evidence-based bundle developed to reduce alarm fatigue?
The CEASE Bundle
What daily practice can significantly reduce false alarms on telemetry units?
Changing Telemetry electrodes every 24 hours
According to the article, what percentage of alarms are falsely activated? (Range)
88-99% of alarms
What is the main goal of an alarm management program?
To reduce nonactionable alarms, improve nurse responsiveness, and enhance patient safety.
Name one technological improvement that can help reduce false alarms?
Implementation of "smart" alarms using machine learning algorithms to detect real vs false alerts
What two organizations recognize alarm fatigue as a major problem in healthcare?
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and The Joint Commission
What does CEASE bundle stand for?
Communication, Electrodes, Appropriateness, Setup Alarm Parameters, Education
What does daily alarm reassessment involve?
Reviewing each patient's alarm settings and parameters to enure they reflect current clinical status
What was the Joint Commission's response to alarm fatigue in 2014?
Made alarm management a national patient safety goal to reduce alarm fatigue and prevent adverse patient events
What are two major causes of false alarms in telemetry monitoring?
Poor electrode contact and failure to change electrodes every 24 hours
How does using patient-specific alarm parameters improve safety?
Minimizes unnecessary alerts and ensure alarms reflect each patient's actual condition.
Why is alarm fatigue a concern?
It can hinder medical care and lead to adverse patient outcomes, including delayed or absent responses to critical alarms, which could lead to inpatient deaths
How do alarm management programs align with the Joint Commission's 2014 National Patient Safety Goals?
Improve the safety of clinical alarm systems by reducing unnecessary alarms and promoting staff training
What role do "alarm champions" play on a telemetry or cardiac unit?
They mentor peers, promote consistent alarm-management practices, and reinforce adherence to protocols.