AF among Nurses Working in Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Units: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal Article

2024

Published in: https://www.mdpi.com/2904576

Aim: This research study aims to determine nurses’ alarm fatigue (AF) levels in paediatric

critical care units in two governmental hospitals and to examine the significant differences in the

mean between nurses’ attributes, nurses’ working environment, and nurses’ alarm management with

the level of fatigue caused by the alarm. Background: In recent years, AF has become a significant and

growing concern among nurses. However, in the Saudi Arabian paediatrics context, the impact of AF

on nurses working in intensive care units remains unexplored. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional

survey was conducted using a non-probability purposive sampling method. Data were collected

from 216 nurses in two governmental hospitals through self-administered questionnaires comprised

of four sections: individual attributes, work environment, alarm management, and AF scale. Data

analysis: The Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyse the data, and ANOVA

was utilised to describe the sample’s demographic characteristics and determine any differences.

Results: Most participants were female, held a bachelor’s degree, and were aged 31 to 35. Of the

participants, 62.5% reported experiencing a medium level of AF, 29.2% reported a low level, and

8.3% reported a high level. Participants expressed that recurrent false alarms disrupt patient care and

decrease trust in alarm systems. Significant differences in AF levels were observed based on marital

status and the percentage of non-actionable alarms. Conclusions: Nurses working in paediatric

critical units with high rates of false alarms, the frequent de-activation of alarms, and decreased

trust in alarm systems are more likely to experience AF. Addressing AF is crucial for patient safety;

nurse training on alarm management, the collaboration between biomedical and nursing staff, and

technological advancements can help mitigate this issue. Implications for Practice: To minimise the

adverse effects of AF, policymakers, biomedical experts, and nursing administrators must establish

comprehensive policies and protocols concerning alarms. These measures aim to ensure secure and

efficient care for the well-being of patients and nurses.

Keywords: clinical alarms; fatigue; intensive care units; nurses; paediatrics