Article type
Abstract
"Background: Alarm systems in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are vital for the continuous monitoring and safety of critically ill patients. These systems alert nurses to potential issues, thereby facilitating timely interventions. Given the centrality of ICU nurses in interpreting and responding to these alarms, their experiences and reactions are critical to ensuring effective patient care and safety. This study aims to delve into the nuanced roles and experiences of ICU nurses in managing alarm signals within a high-stakes environment.
Objective: To explore and understand the experiences, perceptions, and response strategies of ICU nurses regarding alarm signals in the ICU, highlighting their pivotal role in patient monitoring and critical care.
Methods: Employing a qualitative research design, this study involved purposive sampling of 15 nurses from the medical and surgical ICUs of a major medical center in Northern Taiwan. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Colaizzi's method of content analysis to identify key themes and insights.
Results: The analysis yielded five primary themes: (1) Effective interpretation and understanding of alarm signals; (2) The role of collaborative monitoring in ensuring patient vitality; (3) The development and utilization of heightened sensory awareness for alarm differentiation; (4) Learning and reflective practices stemming from past clinical events; (5) Techniques for managing the psychological impact of constant alarm exposure, which include strategic detachment and stress mitigation.
Conclusion: This study highlights the multifaceted expertise of ICU nurses in alarm management, including their ability to accurately interpret alarm signals, engage in effective team-based patient monitoring, and employ sharp sensory discrimination. Their skills in reflective learning from clinical incidents contribute to continual practice improvement. Additionally, the study sheds light on the nurses' coping mechanisms for the high-stress environment of the ICU, such as strategic emotional detachment and stress management techniques. These findings underscore the complex interplay of skills, perception, and emotional management that ICU nurses navigate, emphasizing their crucial role in patient safety and care."
Objective: To explore and understand the experiences, perceptions, and response strategies of ICU nurses regarding alarm signals in the ICU, highlighting their pivotal role in patient monitoring and critical care.
Methods: Employing a qualitative research design, this study involved purposive sampling of 15 nurses from the medical and surgical ICUs of a major medical center in Northern Taiwan. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Colaizzi's method of content analysis to identify key themes and insights.
Results: The analysis yielded five primary themes: (1) Effective interpretation and understanding of alarm signals; (2) The role of collaborative monitoring in ensuring patient vitality; (3) The development and utilization of heightened sensory awareness for alarm differentiation; (4) Learning and reflective practices stemming from past clinical events; (5) Techniques for managing the psychological impact of constant alarm exposure, which include strategic detachment and stress mitigation.
Conclusion: This study highlights the multifaceted expertise of ICU nurses in alarm management, including their ability to accurately interpret alarm signals, engage in effective team-based patient monitoring, and employ sharp sensory discrimination. Their skills in reflective learning from clinical incidents contribute to continual practice improvement. Additionally, the study sheds light on the nurses' coping mechanisms for the high-stress environment of the ICU, such as strategic emotional detachment and stress management techniques. These findings underscore the complex interplay of skills, perception, and emotional management that ICU nurses navigate, emphasizing their crucial role in patient safety and care."