Effects of the Schematized Alarm-managing Manual for Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy on the Alarm Resolution Rate and Nursing Competence of Nurses in Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Purpose: This study was done to develop a schematized alarm-managing manual for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and to investigate its effects in maintaining continuity in the patients’ treatment and promptly resolving alarms when CRRT is being carried out. Methods: Sixtynurses from two medical intensive care units (ICUs) (one experimental and one control) at one hospital were asked to answer a questionnaire including their CRRT nursing competency and satisfaction with the manual. Data on alarm resolution rate were collected by analyzing existing data, such as the details of each alarm and the number of resolutions around the clock in the CRRT device. Results: The alarm resolution rate and some of CRRT nursing competency scores in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group. The experimental group was also satisfied with the manual. Conclusion: The study confirmed that the schematized alarm-managing manual can be useful for ICU nurses to resolve alarms and can be used as a guideline. Application of this manual to clinical practices and its use can therefore, be encouraged through continuous educationand promotion.