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The Frequency of Physiologic Monitor Alarms in a Children’s Hospital

Schondelmeyer, Amanda C, M.D.

Abstract Details

2015, MS, University of Cincinnati, Medicine: Clinical and Translational Research.
Background and Objective: In most hospitals, alarms from physiologic monitors are frequent, and the vast majority of alarms are not actionable. Concerns about alarm fatigue prompted The Joint Commission to urge hospitals to take immediate action to improve alarm management in 2013. Understanding the types of alarms that occur most frequently will guide hospitals striving to reduce alarm frequencies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the burden of alarm frequency and to describe the patterns of physiologic monitor alarms at a single, free-standing children’s hospital including the rates of alarms and the most common causes of alarms. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of physiologic monitor alarms at a freestanding children’s hospital. Data were collected from all inpatient units over 7 consecutive days in August 2014 for each physiologic monitor alarm using a central alarm collection system. Alarms were classified by alarm cause (e.g. low blood oxygen level), and sensor (e.g. pulse oximetry probe). Procedural, radiology, rehabilitation, and psychiatry units were excluded. Each unit census was determined by four daily measurements during the study period from the electronic health record. Results: There were a total of 220813 alarms over the study. The most common cause of alarms during the week was technical alarms, or alarms generated for issues with the monitoring equipment (e.g. probe off or low battery), followed by clinical alarms for low blood oxygen level and high heart rate. Pulse oximetry probes were the most common sensor to cause alarms. Alarm rates varied significantly by unit and by cause. Conclusion: Alarm rates at a children’s hospital were quite high. Technical alarms, a type of alarm unrelated to a change in patient physiologic status, were the most common cause of alarm. Strategies targeted at reducing technical alarms from physiologic monitors may help reduce overall alarm frequencies.
Erin Haynes, Dr.P.H. (Committee Chair)
Heidi J Sucharew, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Patrick Brady, M.D. (Committee Member)
18 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Schondelmeyer, M.D., A. C. (2015). The Frequency of Physiologic Monitor Alarms in a Children’s Hospital [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1428064830

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Schondelmeyer, M.D., Amanda. The Frequency of Physiologic Monitor Alarms in a Children’s Hospital. 2015. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1428064830.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Schondelmeyer, M.D., Amanda. "The Frequency of Physiologic Monitor Alarms in a Children’s Hospital." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1428064830

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)