Reducing Alarm Hazards: Selection and Implementation of Alarm Notification Systems

Patient Safety Alarm Fatigue Threatens Patient Safety

By Tim Gee and Bridget A. Moorman CCE

 Few threats to patient safety have existed as long as alarm fatigue . In December 2010, the ECRI Institute listed “Alarm Hazards” as the second highest technology hazard of 2011. Alarm hazards include inappropriate alarm modification, alarm desensitization or  fatigue, non-restoration of alarm settings to the normal or standard value after being modified for a specific situation, and improper relaying of alarm signals to appropriate personnel (ECRI Institute, 2010).

Additionally, with the evolution of stand-alone devices to proprietary end-to-end systems, there is a proliferation of overlapping and duplicate systems. This ends up in clinicians sometimes carrying a “bandolier” of communication devices. Most alarms and other messaging are simply broadcast throughout the unit via distributed speakers and message panels.

To read the full article please visit the Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare website- www.psqh.com       

http://www.psqh.com/marchapril-2011/799-reducing-alarm-hazards.html