Document Detail


Communication Strategies and Timeliness of Response to Life Critical Telemetry Alarms.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21457122     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Abstract Background: A centralized electrocardiogram telemetry monitoring system (TMS) facilitates early identification of critical arrhythmias and acute medical decompensation. Timely intervention can only be performed if abnormalities are communicated rapidly to the direct caregiver. The study objectives were to measure effectiveness of bi-directional voice communication badges versus one-way alphanumeric pagers for telemetry alarm response and communication loop closure. Methods: A sequential observational pilot study of nursing response to TMS alarms compared communication technologies on four nursing units in a 1,061 bed tertiary care hospital with 264 TMS channels of telemetry over a 2-year period. Subsequently, the communication technologies were compared in a randomized fashion on a 68-bed progressive cardiac care unit. Caregivers were blinded to the protocol. All alarm responses were recorded during two periods using either pagers or voice communication devices. Alarm response time and closure of the communication loop were analyzed in a blinded fashion. Results: The direct communication functionality of the badge significantly shortened the time to first contact, time to completion, and rate of closure of the communication loop in both the pilot and study phases. Median time to first contact with the communication badge was 0.5 min, compared to 1.6 min with pager communication (p < 0.0003). Communication loop closure was achieved in 100% of clinical alarms using the badge versus 19% with the pager (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Communication badge technology reduced alarm time to first contact and completion as well as facilitated communication loop closures. Immediate two-way communication significantly impacted practice, alarm management, and resulted in faster bedside care.
Authors:
Kimberly A Bonzheim; Rani I Gebara; Bridget M O'Hare; R Darin Ellis; Monique A Brand; Salil D Balar; Rita Stockman; Annette M Sciberras; David E Haines
Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2011-4-2
Journal Detail:
Title:  Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1556-3669     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2011 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-4-4     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  100959949     Medline TA:  Telemed J E Health     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Affiliation:
1 Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beaumont Hospital , OUWB School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan.
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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