Abstract
The excessive use of telemetry monitoring in healthcare has become a widespread concern, leading to increased healthcare costs and alarm fatigue among providers. These issues threaten patient safety and negatively impact patient outcomes. To address these issues, the American Heart Association (AHA) has published guidelines for telemetry monitoring to reduce alarm fatigue and improve patient outcomes.
A three-month benchmark project was conducted using evidence-based methods to implement the AHA guidelines for telemetry monitoring in a medical-surgical unit. The project aimed to serve as a model for others with similar issues. By following the AHA guidelines, patient safety can be enhanced, traditional clinical methods can be improved, and costs can be reduced.
The project reviewed the literature supporting the AHA guidelines for telemetry monitoring and outlined the implementation plan, including evaluation and cost/benefit analysis. The results demonstrated the positive impact of aligning with AHA guidelines in reducing unnecessary telemetry monitoring and alarm fatigue in clinicians and improving patient outcomes.
The AHA guidelines provide recommendations for appropriate telemetry use, including limiting its use to patients who meet specific clinical criteria, educating staff on the proper use of telemetry, and implementing an alarm management protocol. By following these guidelines, healthcare facilities can enhance patient safety, reduce alarm fatigue, lower costs, and ensure quality care.
In conclusion, healthcare facilities should adopt AHA guidelines for telemetry monitoring to address the widespread concerns of excessive telemetry use, alarm fatigue, and negative impact on patient outcomes. The implementation of evidence-based methods can improve patient care, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance traditional clinical methods. This benchmark project serves as a model for others with similar issues and highlights the importance of aligning with AHA guidelines for telemetry monitoring.
Date of publication
Fall 12-4-2023
Document Type
MSN Capstone Project
Language
english
Persistent identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4531
Degree
Master of Science in Nursing – Dual MSN/MBA
Recommended Citation
Ehrenberg, Rekike Aster, "America Heart Association Guidelines on Telemetry Monitoring to Reduce Alarm Fatigue and Improve Patient Outcomes" (2023). MSN Capstone Projects. Paper 304.
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4531