Do we need a systematic activation of alarm soundings for blood pressure monitoring for the safety of ICU patients?

Evaluation of a protocol of activation-deactivation of alarm soundings on noninvasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) monitoring.103 patients were analyzed. Alarm soundings on noninvasive MAP were either activated (group A) or inactivated (group NA) according to a protocol based on patient's hemodynamic status.In the first part of the study (11 periods of 24 hours), we informed the nursing staff before data collection. In the second part of the study (11 periods of 24 hours), we did not inform the nursing staff before data collection. Results of the two parts were assembled and the final analysis consisted of 3,304 hours of monitoring with 12,839 noninvasive MAP measurements, 6,354 in group A and 6,485 in group NA. In group A, 75 of 944 (8%) of abnormal measurements were detected or managed with a delay > 15 minutes and among them 16 required a therapeutic adjustment. In group NA, 140 of 265 (53%) of abnormal measurements were detected or managed with a delay > 15 minutes and among them, only one required a therapeutic adjustment. The number of alarm soundings avoided in group NA was 286.In this study, a systematic activation of alarm soundings for non-invasive blood pressure monitoring seemed unnecessary for the safety of ICU patients.