Effects of Alarm Fatigue on Nursing Staff
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Nursing
Minor
N/A
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
N/A
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
In the past five years, alarm fatigue—desensitization to alarms—has consecutively been ranked as one of the top safety hazards for patient care. Alarm fatigue often leads to the failure to recognize the alarm due to constant exposure as well as a "cry wolf" phenomenon in which a large majorette are false positives. Using Lewin's Change Theory and Orlando's Deliberative Nursing Process Theory, a change in the approach toward alarm management is necessary for the safety and wellbeing of the patient. Evidence suggests the importance of patient specific alarm parameters, daily electrode changes and proper electrode care, daily evaluations of monitor parameters, inclusion of inaudible text messages, and delays in vital sign parameters. A policy should be implemented and a formal educational program should be instilled at hospital institutions in order to decrease alarm desensitization amongst nurses and the safety concerns that ensue.
Affiliations
Nursing
Effects of Alarm Fatigue on Nursing Staff
In the past five years, alarm fatigue—desensitization to alarms—has consecutively been ranked as one of the top safety hazards for patient care. Alarm fatigue often leads to the failure to recognize the alarm due to constant exposure as well as a "cry wolf" phenomenon in which a large majorette are false positives. Using Lewin's Change Theory and Orlando's Deliberative Nursing Process Theory, a change in the approach toward alarm management is necessary for the safety and wellbeing of the patient. Evidence suggests the importance of patient specific alarm parameters, daily electrode changes and proper electrode care, daily evaluations of monitor parameters, inclusion of inaudible text messages, and delays in vital sign parameters. A policy should be implemented and a formal educational program should be instilled at hospital institutions in order to decrease alarm desensitization amongst nurses and the safety concerns that ensue.