GALO, Ana Rita Loureiro et al. Nurses behavior in relation to clinical alarms in intensive care units: an integrative review. []. , serIII, 11, pp.105-112. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII12107.

The aim of this study was to reflect nurses’ practice regarding hemodynamic monitoring. We intended to identify evidence about nurses’ behaviour regarding clinical alarms and to promote strategies that might create a noiseless atmosphere in the intensive care unit. We designed a systematic literature review and selected eighteen electronic databases in three different languages. The data collection took place between December 2011 and January 2012 and five articles were chosen, through cross-referencing, for inclusion. Considering all the material, we constructed three main categories: health professionals’ opinions, behaviours, and strategies to adopt in relation to clinical alarms. Based on the survey, we confirm that healthcare professionals recognize the ambiguity of clinical alarms and identify limitations in their use. Moreover, we confirm that there is no consistent response mode. There are professionals who adapt alarm limits at the beginning of each shift and some who ignore the majority of them. Aware of this reality, professionals propose several possible strategies in order to have more effective alarms and responses.

: clinical alarms; behavior; intensive care; nursing.

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