Big Headaches From Big Data

When I hear ‘Big Data,’ I typically imagine the reams and reams of information out there about every medical interaction I’ve ever had: tests, notes from annual visits, shots, etc. What I don’t typically think of is the in-patient side of healthcare’s Big Data: alarms.

In a study at Johns Hopkins Hospital, staff measured an average of 350 alarms, per bed, per day. In the ICU that number was 771. No wonder nurses and physicians are overwhelmed with information! So what’s the solution? 

There is no single magic pill, of course, but one way to start is to use software that sorts and prioritizes alarms and sends them directly to caregivers on smartphones and other devices. That way an alarm meant for one person isn’t going to five or six people who don’t need to be distracted from what they’re doing. It’s also quieter for patients who aren’t hearing quite so many buzzes and beeps.

This recent PinnacleHealth case study may give you some inspiration. Do you have an Alarm Management Team? What is your facility doing to help minimize alarm fatigue?