Healthcare clinician alarm fatigue is one of the top 10 health technology hazards according to ECRI Institute. When an alarm/alert sounds on a medical device in a clinical setting, clinicians are trained to respond immediately. Yet the proliferation of medical devices used in hospitals and other care facilities can equate to hundreds of alarms being sent per day, per patient — and not all of the alarms are medical emergencies. The result is often that healthcare providers feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of alarms, and they may unintentionally miss an important alarm and compromise patient safety as a result.
The issue of alarm fatigue and how to resolve it will be explored by GTRI’s newly formed Healthcare Advisory Committee, which will bring together senior executives from healthcare providers and payers with technologists. The committee’s goal is to not only discuss a number of the top issues facing healthcare organizations, but also to collaborate in developing technology solutions to help mitigate clinical, operational and financial challenges faced by the Healthcare industry.
With more than 20 years’ experience in healthcare services and solutions, and as managing director of GTRI’s Healthcare Division, I am excited to spearhead the committee. Technology can and should be used to positively impact and improve the quality of care for patients. When technology threatens quality of care, or becomes an impediment for clinicians, it’s not living up to its potential. I believe that committee members can put their heads together to reduce the impact of alarm fatigue, as well as other healthcare technology challenges.
Stay tuned to the GTRI blog for updates on the committee and our findings.
Alex Brickner is Managing Director of GTRI’s Healthcare Division.
