Big Ideas and Trusted Voices: Memorial Health System and Mayo Clinic

In 2023, Memorial Health System proudly joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network (MCCN). This membership gives every team member throughout our health system access to leading clinical knowledge, best practices, and decision-making support. This membership is a great resource for our providers for second opinions, but our nurses are also leading the charge in using the tools to make a real difference for the safety and well-being of both patients and our team members.

Addressing critical conversations

Recently, Senior Director of Outpatient Services and Nursing Professional Practice, Daniel “Danny” Moore, submitted an initiative directly to Mayo Clinic aimed at reducing alarm fatigue across our nursing units.

What is alarm fatigue?

Hospitals can be loud. Between oxygen monitors, blood pressure alerts, and a dozen other devices, alarms are constantly humming. Over time, clinical care teams, especially nurses, can become desensitized to the noise. That desensitization can lead to delayed responses or missed critical alerts, which impacts both patient safety and staff well-being.

This is a growing conversation across healthcare in America, and our teams are taking a proactive approach to combating alarm fatigue. The Nursing Professional Governance Council recently explored shifting from standard “normal” alarm settings to Actionable Alarm Limits—customized thresholds designed to alert only when immediate intervention is needed.

Tapping into Mayo Clinic’s expertise

After reviewing Mayo Clinic’s policies and expert guidance on alarm limits, Danny states that the consultation confirmed what we suspected. “It validated that the approach we are taking to protect our teams and patients was not only supported by Mayo Clinic but aligned with what other MCCN members are doing as well.”

Looking ahead

The Nursing Professional Governance Council reviewed Mayo Clinic’s full recommendations. In the upcoming months, the team will conduct further research and continue the discussion. “We’re taking our time to ensure any changes we make are thoughtful and safe,” Danny says. “Our goal is to reduce alarm fatigue without compromising patient safety.”

Healthcare can be challenging—and sometimes isolating. But being part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network means we’re not in it alone. We learn from the best, collaborate with like-minded systems across the country, and ensure that our teams have access to the highest standards and support. In return? We can do the same.

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