Effect of sleep quality on alarm fatigue among emergency nurses

Considering that patient care is provided for 24 h without interruption in the emergency service, the work roles in this service require a state of full wakefulness. Alarm fatigue is defined as the main cause of clinical alarm management problems. Alarm fatigue, that cannot be managed in a full sense, may make desensitize emergency nurses and may endanger patient safety.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of sleep quality on alarm fatigue of emergency nurses.

This research used the descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study pattern. The study was completed with 183 emergency nurses from May-November 2023. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Nurses' Alarm Fatigue Scale. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V26 program.

Of nurses, 96.2 % worked shifts and 38.8 % stated their monthly working hours were more than 240 h. Of those working shifts, 77.6 % slept after their shift, 56.8 % experienced sleep problems and 43.3 % stated they required support to be able to easily fall asleep. The mean scores on the Nurses' Alarm Fatigue Scale were 24.98 ± 6.16, while mean scores for the PSQI were 9.08 ± 3.48. There was a statistically significant, low level positive correlation between PSQI scores and Alarm Fatigue Scale scores (r = 0.178). Additionally, the simple linear regression model created with the aim of investigating the effect of PSQI scores on Alarm Fatigue Scale scores was identified to be statistically significant (F = 5.897; p = 0.016).

With the aim of empowering nurses working irregular night shifts in institutions providing health services, offering education and teaching programs should be considered. In conclusion, our research will help to create a safer, more effective and encouraging hospital environment for both patients and emergency service nurses.