According to National Patient Safety Goals, how should alarm systems be managed?

The management of alarm systems is a critical component of patient safety as outlined by the National Patient Safety Goals. Establishing policies to manage alarm fatigue among staff is essential because alarm fatigue can lead to desensitization, where healthcare personnel may become less responsive to alarms over time. This fatigue can increase the risk of overlooking critical alarms, which may have serious consequences for patient safety.

Effective management of alarm systems involves evaluating and prioritizing alarm settings to ensure that alerts are meaningful and actionable, rather than overwhelming staff with excessive notifications. By implementing policies that address alarm fatigue, healthcare organizations can promote a culture of safety and responsiveness. This approach encourages staff to remain alert to alarms that genuinely indicate a need for immediate attention, thereby directly contributing to improving patient outcomes.

Other options do not align with current best practices for alarm management and do not address the serious issue of alarm fatigue, which underscores the importance of the chosen response.