This week’s graded discussion topic relates to the following Course Outcome (CO).

CO6 Discuss the principles of data integrity, professional ethics, and legal requirements related to data security, regulatory requirements, confidentiality, and client’s right to privacy. (PO 6)

Distractions are everywhere. They may include cellphones, multiple alarms sounding, overhead paging, monitors beeping, and various interruptions that disrupt your train of thought.

Give an example of an ethical or legal issue that may arise if a patient has a poor outcome or sentinel event because of a distraction such as alarm fatigue. What does evidence reveal about alarm fatigue and distractions in healthcare when it comes to patient safety?

Solution:

Distractions such as cellphones, monitor beeping, multiple alarms sounding and overhead paging may significantly impact the manner in which care is delivered to patients (Hebda & Czar, 2013). In ideal clinical settings, most of the medical devices used in monitoring patients typically have alarm systems created to alert nurse in case of an issue with the machines or the patients. This notwithstanding, a plethora of past studies has established that too many alarms can lead to sensory overload for nurses. The primary purpose of the alarm setting is for patient safety as well as to alert nurses in case something bad happens. However, research has revealed that most of the times when these alarms sound, it is normally false alarms that do not need any intervention (West, Abbott, & Probst, 2014)..Please click the Paypal icon below to purchase full solution for only $5