Philips Sounds transform the sound of care, reducing patient monitoring alarm noise by up to 66%
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Insights
Philips' recent FDA 510(k) clearance for its IntelliVue patient monitor software represents a significant milestone in patient monitoring technology. This clearance is crucial for hospitals and clinics as it legally permits the use of the software within the United States, a major market for medical devices. The introduction of the Philips Sounds alarm package is poised to address a critical issue in patient care environments—the pervasive and often disruptive nature of alarm sounds.
From a medical device perspective, the reduction of alarm noise by up to 66% is a substantial improvement. This could potentially lead to a calmer environment, which is conducive to patient healing and reduces caregiver burnout caused by alarm fatigue. Alarm fatigue is a recognized problem in healthcare settings, leading to desensitization among staff and increasing the risk of missed alarms. The enhanced alarm system could differentiate Philips' products in a competitive market, potentially leading to increased sales and market share.
However, the long-term success of this technology will depend on its integration into clinical workflows and its acceptance by healthcare professionals. Training and adaptation will be necessary to ensure that the new alarm sounds are as effective at drawing attention as they are at reducing noise pollution. The impact on Philips' business will likely be monitored through subsequent sales data and customer feedback within the healthcare industry.
The healthcare industry often grapples with the balance between technological advancements and cost containment. The FDA clearance of Philips' IntelliVue software could have economic implications for the healthcare system. By potentially reducing the cognitive load on clinicians and improving patient environments, there could be indirect cost savings related to decreased lengths of hospital stay and improved patient outcomes.
Moreover, the reduction in alarm noise could lower the incidence of alarm-related incidents, which can be costly in terms of human life and financial resources. Fewer alarm-related incidents could translate into fewer malpractice claims and a reduction in insurance premiums for healthcare providers. However, the initial investment in new technology and the need for ongoing maintenance and updates may offset some of these savings.
It is also essential to consider the cost-effectiveness of such innovations. The healthcare sector is under increasing pressure to demonstrate value for money and while improved alarm management strategies may enhance patient care, they must also show a return on investment. The adoption rate of the new software by hospitals and its ability to deliver on its promises will be critical in determining its economic impact on the healthcare system.
The medical device industry is highly sensitive to technological innovations, especially those that enhance user experience and patient care. Philips' FDA clearance for the updated IntelliVue software could be a disruptive force in the patient monitoring market, potentially setting a new standard for alarm systems in medical devices.
Market research indicates that healthcare providers are increasingly looking for solutions that can improve patient safety and the working conditions of their staff. In this context, Philips' innovation addresses both by tackling the prevalent issue of alarm fatigue. If the new alarm system proves successful, it could lead to increased demand for Philips' patient monitoring systems, influencing the company's market position positively.
Competitors will likely take note of this development and may accelerate their own R&D efforts to offer similar or improved solutions. This could lead to a ripple effect, with enhancements in alarm management becoming a key selling point for patient monitoring systems in the future.
Philips' strategy of involving clinicians and patients in the design process could also resonate well with buyers, emphasizing the company's commitment to user-centered design. This approach may enhance brand reputation and customer loyalty, which are critical factors in the highly competitive medical device market.
February 6, 2024
FDA 510(k) clearance of latest Philips IntelliVue patient monitor software helps drive alarm management strategies toward a more peaceful, healing environment for patients and caregivers
Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Advances in healthcare technology continue to drive patient monitoring technology into the future; however, alarm sounds have remained similar, if not unchanged, for many years. Until now. Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), has received 510(k) clearance for its latest IntelliVue patient monitor software, which features the long-anticipated availability of several new solutions, including the award-winning Philips Sounds alarm package, making it available in the USA and more than 200 countries worldwide.
Noise in hospitals can impact the quality of life and health of patients, their families, and their care providers. In the average ICU, patient monitors account for up to
“While alarms in acute care settings must be effective, they should be sensible, informative, and respectful of the surrounding environment and the people in it,” says Christoph Pedain, Business Leader, Hospital Patient Monitoring, Philips. “Throughout the process, we asked for input from care providers, administrators, patients and their families who are exposed to these alarms regularly and leveraged powerful data to help improve the experience overall.”
The IntelliVue alarm evolution involved a significant research investment to capture and implement input from care providers and patients in alarm-heavy environments. Together, Philips and the sound design group SenSound worked to soften and round the alarm tones and adjust alarm intervals to more gently signal status or request action using a more soothing – yet still impactful – set of alarm sounds. These changes are designed to help improve the patient and caregiver experience. Philips’ new patient monitoring sounds have been proven to reduce alarm noise by up to
“Alarm management within the hospital setting is complicated and multifaceted, and even the smallest change will have an enormous impact,” says Andreas Walden, Usability Leader, Hospital Patient Monitoring at Philips. “When we think about medical alarms generally, we make sure they are audible, prompt action, and can be differentiated from other sounds. But we haven’t asked questions like ‘Is this something a nurse on a 12-hour shift should hear every day?’ or ‘Can a sick patient hear this without getting scared?’ The ability to address those concerns is the beginning of transforming the entire soundscape in the hospital.”
With over one million IntelliVue patient monitors in use [6], the evolution of our monitor sounds means the potential to enhance and change the soundscape in healthcare facilities worldwide, helping to advance the healing environment for both patients and hospital staff.
Beyond the sound of care
Additional noteworthy capabilities within the new IntelliVue software update, including Philips Visual Patient Avatar, are now available in the USA and more than 200 countries worldwide. For more information about Philips’ portfolio of alarm management solutions, visit philips.com/alarm-sounds or contact your regional sales rep for local availability.
[1] Cho, O. M., Kim, H., Lee, Y. W., & Cho, I. (2016). Clinical Alarms in Intensive Care Units: Perceived Obstacles of Alarm Management and Alarm Fatigue in Nurses. Healthcare Informatics Research, 22(1), 46–53.
[2] Jones K. (2014). Alarm fatigue a top patient safety hazard. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 186(3), 178. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.109-4696.
[3] Topf & Dillon, 1988; Topf, 2000; Morrison et al., 2003; Ryherd et al., 2008; J. P. Keller et al., 2011; Watson et al., 2015; Cho et al., 2016.
[4] Topf, 2000; Basner, 2011; Shivers et al., 2013; Basner et al., 2014; Sakallaris et al., 2015; Sen & Sen, 2020
[5] Compared to previous Philips alarm sounds as it relates to intervals. The Philips 2021 interval for cyan alarms is every 2 seconds compared to every 6 seconds with traditional sounds.
[6] Based in internal sales data.
For further information, please contact:
Meredith Amoroso
Philips Global Press Office
Tel: +1 724 584 8991
E-Mail: meredith.amoroso@philips.com
About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips’ patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2023 sales of EUR 18.2 billion and employs approximately 69,700 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.
Attachments
- Philips Sounds now available at hospital bedsides in more than 200 countries
- Philips and SenSound reimagined patient monitoring to both soften and reduce alarm sounds
- An acute care nurse turns off a bedside alarm
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