CONGRESS ABSTRACT

Arrhythmias represent one of the most frequent and clinically significant challenges in Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Intensive Care Units (CTV-ICUs), where timely recognition and appropriate management of rhythm disturbances are crucial for patient safety and clinical outcomes. Despite technological advances, recent studies have shown that more than 80% of arrhythmia alarms in intensive care settings are false positives. This high rate of false alarms contributes to alarm fatigue, a phenomenon characterized by sensory overload and reduced responsiveness of healthcare professionals to clinically relevant alarms, potentially compromising patient safety and care effectiveness. The educational project “Heart in Rhythm” was developed to provide physicians, nurses, and cardiovascular perfusion technologists (TFCPC) with theoretical and practical tools for recognizing, interpreting, and managing arrhythmias in critically ill patients. The training program integrated lectures, high-fidelity simulations, and case-based discussions, promoting an interactive and multidisciplinary learning approach. The initiative aimed not only to strengthen clinical and technical competencies but also to enhance situational awareness and decision-making related to cardiac monitoring and alarm management. By fostering a deeper understanding of arrhythmia detection and response protocols, the course sought to mitigate alarm fatigue and improve the reliability of alarm interpretation within CTV-ICUs. Outcome evaluation focuses on changes in professionals’ perceptions and behaviors toward alarm systems, as well as on the potential reduction of non-actionable alarms and associated workload. This educational intervention represents a concrete step toward improving quality and safety of care in high-complexity cardiovascular settings, highlighting the pivotal role of continuous professional training in addressing alarm fatigue and promoting a culture of clinical vigilance