The Relationship between Alarm Fatigue and Clinical Competence in Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses in Kermanshah, Iran

Insufficient nursing qualifications are among the factors contributing to clinical errors in care units. Additionally, frequent false alarms diminish nurses' trust in alarm systems and delay response times, potentially leading to alarm fatigue over time. This study aimed to investigate the association between alarm fatigue and clinical competence among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses.

This descriptive correlational study included 140 NICU nurses from Kermanshah, Iran, during 2023-2024, selected using a census sampling method. Data collection tools comprised a demographic questionnaire, the "Nurse Competence Scale," and the "Alarm Fatigue Questionnaire." Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16, employing both descriptive and inferential methods, with a significance level set at p<0.05.

The mean alarm fatigue score was 21.61±7.45, indicating a level above average. Most participants (75%) demonstrated very good clinical qualifications. The average clinical competence score was 174.76±26.74, also rated at a very good level. A significant relationship was observed between alarm fatigue and clinical competence in the teaching-coaching subscale (p=0.019). However, no significant association was found overall.

As alarm fatigue increases, clinical competence specifically within the teaching-coaching subscale declines. However, no significant correlation is observed between overall clinical competence (excluding the teaching-coaching subscale) and alarm fatigue, nor between alarm fatigue and the individual subscales of clinical competence.