JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

The future of sound in patient monitoring: a call to action to embrace the evidence and move forward

  • 0Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
British Journal of Anaesthesia +

|

May 12, 2025

|

May 12, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Advanced patient monitoring alarms, including auditory icons and voice alerts, improve detection and reduce caregiver workload compared to traditional beeping sounds. The future integrates these with visuals to combat alarm fatigue.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Healthcare Technology

Background

  • Traditional patient monitoring systems extensively use 70-year-old beeping alarm sounds.
  • Conventional alarm tones are increasingly recognized for limiting effectiveness, informativeness, and user situation awareness.

Discussion

  • Advanced alarm modalities like auditory icons and voice alerts offer more intuitive communication.
  • These novel approaches have demonstrated improvements in alarm detection and significant reductions in caregiver workload.
  • International standards facilitate the integration of these advanced modalities into patient monitoring systems.

Key Insights

  • Auditory icons and voice alerts enhance alarm detection and reduce caregiver burden.
  • Current alarm systems' limitations necessitate exploring advanced auditory and visual feedback mechanisms.
  • Evidence supports the transition towards more informative and intuitive patient monitoring alerts.

Outlook

  • Future patient monitoring systems will likely combine conventional tones with auditory icons, voice alerts, and advanced visualizations.
  • This integration aims to provide better support for caregivers and mitigate alarm fatigue for both patients and staff.
  • The adoption of international standards is crucial for the successful implementation of these future alarm sound strategies.

Keywords:

Related Concept Videos

Pulse rhythm 01:30

722

Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...

Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure 01:30

766

Direct Method
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...

Special considerations while measuring blood pressure 01:28

690

When assessing blood pressure (BP), healthcare professionals must consider various factors and potential unexpected outcomes to ensure accurate readings and provide proper patient care. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving the most reliable results.
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.

Current Trends in Nursing II 01:30

1.2K

Trends in nursing are multifactorial and associated with changes in society, within the nursing profession, and in other professions. Notably, telehealth and remote nursing contribute to successful healthcare delivery for numerous patients and help reduce stress for nurses due to nursing shortages. Nurses can reach patients, monitor their conditions, and interact with them using computers, audio, visual accessories, and telephones—for example, remote patient monitoring systems. Likewise,...

Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound 01:19

1.1K

To obtain accurate blood pressure measurements in clinical settings, especially when traditional methods are insufficient, healthcare professionals utilize the Doppler ultrasound technique. This method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow within the arteries, which is crucial for patients with conditions that complicate circulatory system assessment.
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:

• Assemble the...