Rest for patients, focus for ICU staff

Silent Rooms, AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk

In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of AZ Groeninge in Kortrijk, there was an overwhelming abundance of alarms, with up to two notifications per minute per patient. The risk of alarm fatigue among staff was significant, as it became increasingly difficult to distinguish between critical and non-critical warnings. Additionally, the department had no insight into the quantity or nature of the alarms, as this data was not centrally accessible. The constant stream of alarm sounds not only caused stress but also created distractions during critical medical procedures. Patients were also affected by this noise pollution, which negatively impacted their rest and recovery process. Especially at night, when rest is essential, the noise impaired sleep quality. This situation underscored the need for a solution to improve both the quality of care and the working environment.

The solution

AZ Groeninge opted for an innovative approach by implementing a data-driven alarm management system. Over the course of a year, the project team collected data on alarms to determine which notifications were essential. An alarm coach provided guidance and practical support throughout the process. Based on the gathered insights, the team connected equipment such as monitors and infusion pumps to a central alarm system, implementing it in phases with a focus on safety and legal compliance. Nurses, doctors, technicians, and external partners collaborated to safely adjust alarms based on objective data. With the support of the alarm coach and prompt interventions, the transition proceeded smoothly, and staff quickly adapted to the new workflow.