Perceptions of nurse managers regarding alarm fatigue among nurses who work in Malta

Abstract

Background: Clinical alarms play a pivotal role in alerting nurses with a change in the patients’ physiological condition. Regardless, the frequency of alarms and the number of false alarms may contribute to alarm fatigue, which may be detrimental to both nurses and patients. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to describe the perceived impact that alarm fatigue if present, has on the nurses and the quality of care delivered while also looking into how alarm fatigue is dealt within the clinical area by the nurses as well as the management. Another objective was to identify any future recommendations and ideas that nurse managers hold regarding alarm fatigue. Methodology: A qualitative descriptive exploratory research design was applied to this research study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit eleven nurse managers who either held the position of charge nurse or practice nurse. The participants took part in a face-to-face audio-recorded semi-structured interview. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Five themes emerged from the data analysis. These themes were identified as ‘The Power of Alarm Fatigue’, ‘Patient Ramifications of Alarm Fatigue’, ‘External Factors Contributing to Alarm Fatigue’, ‘Mitigating Alarm Fatigue’ and ‘The Impact of Technology in Healthcare’. The study outlined the negative effects that alarm fatigue has on both patients and nurses, highlighting the importance of raising awareness on alarm fatigue and empowering nurses to engage in enhanced clinical alarm management practices. Conclusion: Through sharing their unique perceptions and experiences, the nurse managers outlined the weight that alarm fatigue has on nurses and the imperative need to find solutions to lessen it. By engaging in clinical alarm practices and alarm management education, nurses can become more aware of the phenomena of alarm fatigue and be empowered to take proactive measures to minimise it.