Juggling digitization and technostress: The case of alert fatigues in the patient care system implementation. Issue 4 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khuntia, Jiban; Tanniru, Mohan; Weiner, Jack
• Is Part Of: Health policy and technology. Volume 4:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 364
• Page End: 377
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Alarm fatigue -- IT implementation -- Technostress -- Actor network -- Patient-centered care -- Organizational IT policy; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Medical policy; Medical technology; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Biomedical Technology -- Periodicals; Technology Assessment, Biomedical -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.hlpt.2015.08.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-8837

Abstract

Abstract: Policy mandates and business benefits are propelling hospitals to implement several decision support systems that can help nurses to aid in clinical care decisions. These systems can plausibly reduce errors and provide care by offering real-time alerts about possible adverse reactions. But nurses often suffer "alert fatigue" caused by excessive numbers of warnings within the hospital while providing care. As a result, they may pay less attention to or even ignore some vital alerts, thus limiting these systems׳ effectiveness. In this study, we explore how implementation of an intelligent care system in a hospital with the objective of implementing several decision support systems inadvertently led to a set of alert fatigues. Our analysis of fatigue related technostress suggests a change in management strategy that involves synchronization of people, technology and policies, and is in support of patient care. Highlights: Technology-induced care. Alert fatigue on care staff. Policy impact on stress.