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Keywords
Alarm fatigue
Disciplines
Nursing
Description
Alarm fatigue is defined as repetitive and continual exposure to environmental beeping from devices, leading to desensitization of clinicians and lack of response3 . Alarm fatigue poses a significant safety risk as an excessive volume of alarms and noise may distract clinicians from responding to alarms that are clinically significant and require intervention.
Continuous pulse oximetry (SpO2) monitoring is utilized in acute care settings to quickly detect oxygen desaturation. Continuous pulse oximetry monitoring is associated with a large volume of insignificant and inactionable alarms such as loose pulse oximetry sensors or disconnection of the patient from monitoring equipment.
The literature supports standardizing practices across clinical environments to support monitoring patients with appropriate clinical indications1,2,3
Traditionally, all patients admitted to the 6 North East Medical Progressive Care Unit (6NE MPCU) were placed on continuous hardwire pulse oximetry monitoring, regardless of eligibility criteria. There is a current policy in place at the institution which defines eligibility criteria for continuous pulse oximetry monitoring of patients admitted to progressive care units.
The aim of this evidence-based practice project was to utilize existing eligibility criteria for continuous pulse oximetry monitoring to decrease the volume of inactionable pulse oximetry related alarms.
Publication Date
5-2025
Recommended Citation
Witt S, Matthews K, Harris M. Challenging tradition-based practice: continuous pulse oximetry monitoring criteria. Presented at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital; 2025 May 6-12; Royal Oak, MI.
Comments
Nurses Week at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, May 6-12, 2025.