title: Monitor alarm fatigue: an integrative review.
abstract: Alarm fatigue is a national problem and the number one medical device technology hazard in 2012. The problem of alarm desensitization is multifaceted and related to a high false alarm rate, poor positive predictive value, lack of alarm standardization, and the number of alarming medical devices in hospitals today. This integrative review synthesizes research and non-research findings published between 1/1/2000 and 10/1/2011 using The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model. Seventy-two articles were included. Research evidence was organized into five main themes: excessive alarms and effects on staff; nurse's response to alarms; alarm sounds and audibility; technology to reduce false alarms; and alarm notification systems. Non-research evidence was divided into two main themes: strategies to reduce alarm desensitization, and alarm priority and notification systems. Evidence-based practice recommendations and gaps in research are summarized.
authors: The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA. mcvach@jhmi.edu
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Cvach
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D056902:Clinical Alarms; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States