Reducing Cardiac Telemetry Nuisance Alarms Through Evidence-Based Interventions

Abstract

Background: 

Cardiac telemetry nuisance alarms due to leads off and poor signal increase staff workflow interruptions, decrease staff trust in technology, and can compromise patient safety.

Local Problem: 

Interventions were directed at reducing nuisance alarms on a 32-bed, non–intensive care - a cardiac telemetry unit.

Methods: 

A nursing staff education module with evidence-based practices for reducing nuisance alarms, a daily care protocol for patients on cardiac telemetry monitoring, and daily audits of protocol adherence were implemented.

Results: 

Staff pre- and posttest comparisons on their knowledge relating to nuisance alarms and the evidence-based protocol demonstrated a significant mean increase of 3.02 (95% CI, 2.55-3.48). Daily audits for 7 weeks demonstrated an average of 58.46% staff adherence. Telemetry technician call volume reduction was 16% postimplementation, while nuisance alarms were not reduced significantly.

Conclusions: 

This rapid-cycle, quality improvement process resulted in minimal reduction in nuisance alarms but improved staff awareness of the issue and reduced workflow interruptions.