Daily Electrocardiogram Electrode Change and the Effect on Frequency of Nuisance Alarms

BACKGROUND: In 2018, The Joint Commission identified false telemetry alarms as a significant technology hazard placing patients at risk of injury. Reasons include poor skin preparation when applying electrodes and improper placement of electrodes. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine if changing electrocardiogram electrodes daily would decrease the frequency of nuisance alarms. METHODS: Study design was quantitative/comparative on all patients receiving telemetry monitoring on a 36-bed adult inpatient cardiac telemetry unit. Data collection occurred for 14 days before the intervention and 14 days during the intervention of daily electrode change. Comparison analysis determined if frequency of alarms decreased after the intervention with daily electrode change. RESULTS: Postintervention data showed a 74.15% reduction in telemetry alarms following implementation of a daily electrode change. DISCUSSION: Daily electrocardiogram electrode changes may be an effective strategy for reducing nuisance alarms on telemetry units. Outcomes can be used in conjunction with existing evidence to drive current practice.