A Framework to Assess Alarm Fatigue Indicators in Critical Care Staff

OBJECTIVES: This article examines work-related and Personality personality factors that could influence health providers in experiencing alarm fatigue. The purpose of this study is to provide a basis to determine factors that may predict the potential of alarm fatigue in critical care staff. DESIGN: A questionnaire-based survey and an observational study were conducted to assess factors that could contribute to indicators of alarm fatigue. INTERVENTIONS: Factors included patient-to-staff ratio, criticality of the alarm, priority of different tasks, and personality traits. SETTING: The study was conducted at an eight-bed ICU in a mid-size hospital in Montana. SUBJECTS: Data were collected for six day shifts and six night shifts involving 24 critical care professionals. Within each 12-hour shift, six 15-minute intervals were randomly generated through work sampling for 6 days; a total of 1,080 observations were collected. MEASUREMENTS: Alarm fatigue was assessed with the subjective workload assessment technique and Boredom, Apathy, and Distrust Affects, which were measured through validated questionnaires. The Big Five Personality model was used to assess personality traits. MAIN RESULTS: Work factors including task prioritization, nurse-to-patient ratio, and length of shifts were associated with indicators of alarm fatigue. Personality traits of openness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism were also associated. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend assessing personality traits for critical care staff to be aware of how their individualities can affect their behavior towards alarm fatigue. We also recommend an examination of alternative strategies to reduce alarm fatigue, including examining the use of breaks, work rotation, or shift reduction.