Focused on Device Safety
Reducing device-related errors and failures is an important focus for a number of organizations, foundations, and agencies. With alarm safety as a top priority, please see below for materials to help keep you informed on the latest efforts to improve patient safety.
The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 20,500 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. The Joint Commission is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects commitment to meeting certain healthcare performance standards.
Clinical alarm systems are intended to alert caregivers of potential patient problems, but if they are not properly managed, they can compromise patient safety. This is a multifaceted problem.
The Joint Commission approved new National Patient Safety Goal NPSG.06.01.01 on clinical alarm safety for hospitals and critical access hospitals. This announcement displays the new goal, its 4 elements of performance (EPs), and the timeline of the 2-phased implementation process.1 Access
This document affirms the National Patient Safety Goals that have been established for the purpose of improving patient safety within critical care access hospitals. These updated goals can serve as a resource for patient safety and alarm safety. Access
This 2013 report highlights the frequent and persistent problem of medical device safety in hospitals and provides recommended strategies for implementation.
Published for Joint Commission–accredited organizations and interested healthcare professionals, Sentinel Event Alert highlights the importance of alarm safety and proper monitoring. Issue 50 identifies specific types of alarm events, describes their common underlying causes, and suggests steps to prevent occurrences in the future. Access
Helpful graphics highlight the importance of alarm management. It specifically addresses alarm fatigue, Joint Commission Sentinel Event data, and the guidelines for alarm settings, tailoring alarm settings, and limits for individual patients, as well as maintaining alarm-equipped devices. Access
Managing risk of tubing misconnections during the transition to new ISO connector standards. This infographic serves as a helpful reminder for clinicians on how to avoid alarm triggers specific to tubing misconnections. Review the use of safe practices in administering high-alert medications, the proper use of tubing, and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) protocols, as well as recommendations and tips to address these issues. Access
ECRI Institute
ECRI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the discipline of applied scientific research to discover the best medical procedures, devices, drugs, and processes—all to enable you to improve patient care.
ECRI Institute developed this infographic to provide an easy-to-follow, step-by-step approach to help minimize patient safety vulnerabilities, reduce risk, and improve effectiveness and efficiency of alarm management.
To learn more on available tools to help improve alarm safety, visit ECRI Institute’s Alarm Safety Resource Center. Access