Alarm Fatigue and Stress Among Critical Care Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Alarm fatigue and stress among critical care nurses (CCNs) are critical issues that can adversely affect both nurse well-being and patient care.

Aim: This study aimed to assess alarm fatigue and stress levels among CCNs in Eastern Saudi Arabia, explore the relationship between these factors and identify significant demographic predictors.

Study design: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. The study involved 205 CCNs. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire that included the Alarm Fatigue Scale (AFS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).

Results: The mean overall AFS score was 24.68 (standard deviation, SD = 6.79) out of 52, indicating a moderate level of alarm fatigue. Approximately 58.5% of nurses experienced average alarm fatigue, while 11.7% reported high alarm fatigue. The mean overall PSS score was 21.4 (SD = 4.6) out of 40, indicating moderate stress. A total of 84.4% of nurses experiencing moderate stress, while 9.8% reported high stress. A weak, non-significant negative correlation was observed between alarm fatigue and stress (r = -0.131, p = 0.061). Regression analysis revealed that years of experience, age and educational level were significant predictors of alarm fatigue, with nurses aged 40 and above, those with diplomas and those with 1-5 years of experience reporting higher alarm fatigue. Additionally, nurses who reported recent stress and those with lower alarm fatigue levels showed significantly higher perceived stress.

Conclusion: The study reveals that moderate to high levels of alarm fatigue and stress are prevalent among CCNs, with key predictors including clinical experience, age, education level and recent exposure to stress.

Relevance to practice: The study findings highlight the need for regular training on alarm management and stress reduction, investment in advanced monitoring systems to minimize false alarms and clear institutional protocols for alarm escalation. Stress management programmes, including mental health support and resilience workshops, are recommended to enhance nurse well-being and improve patient care outcomes.