Sensory Overload and Technology in Critical Care

Area of Science:

• Medical technology
• Nursing
• Human factors engineering

Background:

• Medical technology alarms are crucial in intensive care units (ICUs).
• However, alarm fatigue and sensory overload are growing concerns for healthcare professionals.
• Understanding nurse perceptions of alarm impact is vital for improving patient safety and work environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify issues contributing to sensory overload among ICU nurses due to medical technology alarms.
• To assess the perceived helpfulness and overload contribution of different alarm sources.
• To detail specific device/technology barriers related to medical alarms.

Main Methods:

• Focus group study involving intensive care unit nurses.
• Qualitative data collection on experiences with medical technology alarms.
• Analysis of nurse-identified sources of sensory overload and alarm helpfulness.

Main Results:

• Cardiopulmonary monitors, ventilators, and intravenous pumps were primary sources of sensory overload.
• These high-impact alarms were also considered the most helpful by participants.
• Alarms from electronic health records and medication dispensing systems were rated as less helpful and less contributing to overload.

Conclusions:

• Medical technology alarm systems in ICUs require user-centered and integrated improvements.
• Addressing sensory overload from critical care technology alarms is essential.
• Future designs should balance alarm necessity with minimizing cognitive burden on nurses.