Contributors to fatigue among nurses working in critical care units: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a growing concern among nurses who provide care to unstable and critically ill patients in critical care wards. It has various negative consequences for both nurses and patients. AIM: To explore and describe contributors to fatigue among nurses working in critical care units. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Participants were 21 nurses chosen using purposeful sampling. They were working in different critical care units at different hospitals in nine urban areas of Iran. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and conventional content analysis was used to develop categories and subcategories. The analysis of data on the nurses' perspectives and experiences led to developing nine categories as contributors to fatigue: 'compassion fatigue', 'extensive network of interactions', 'sound and alarm fatigue', 'psychological tensions', 'managerial and organizational tensions', 'lack of motivation and incentives', 'individual characteristics of nurses', 'physical and mental pressure', and requirements of special care and situational complexity'. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the factors that influence the experience of fatigue among nurses working in critical care units is essential for maintaining a reliable and high-quality health care environment within health care facilities. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The experience of fatigue by critical care nurses can increase the possibility of practice errors, reduce patient safety and quality of care, and enhance staff burnout and turnover. Proactive policies should be formulated to assess nurses' fatigue levels and implement strategies for effective fatigue management. This approach aims to enhance both patient safety and job satisfaction in the workplace.

Qualitative exploration of sexual dysfunction and associated coping strategies among Iranian prostate cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: Our understanding of the experiences of prostate cancer survivors regarding their sexual life and related issues remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore sexual dysfunction and associated coping strategies among Iranian prostate cancer survivors. METHODS: A qualitative study was undertaken. Participants were 15 Iranian prostate cancer survivors chosen using purposeful sampling. Data collection involved conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews, followed by the utilization of the conventional qualitative content analysis method for data analysis. RESULTS: Three themes were developed: (a) suspension of sexual life-treatment for prostate cancer significantly impacted participants' sexual lives; (b) emotional resilience and psychological coping strategies-various psychological strategies were used to tackle sexual dysfunction; (c) efforts to regain sexual function-several strategies were applied to enhance sexual performance. CONCLUSION: Our study findings provide insights into the experiences of prostate cancer survivors and subsequent shifts in their sexual dynamics and coping with the disease. Healthcare providers should actively identify patients' concerns and develop culturally tailored care strategies to address sexual challenges and improve coping among prostate cancer survivors.

An Integrative Systematic Review of Promoting Patient Safety Within Prehospital Emergency Medical Services by Paramedics: A Role Theory Perspective.

Timely and effective prehospital care significantly impacts patient outcomes. Paramedics, as the frontline providers of emergency medical services, are entrusted with a range of critical responsibilities aimed at safeguarding the well-being of patients from the moment they initiate contact in the out-of-hospital environment to the time of handover at healthcare facilities. This study aimed to understand the multifaceted roles of paramedics in promoting patient safety within the context of prehospital emergency medical services. A systematic review with an integrative approach using the Whittemore and Knafl's framework was performed examining qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research, then conducting data assessment, quality appraisal, and narrative research synthesis. Literature search encompassed PubMed (including MEDLINE), Scopus, Cinahl, ProQuest, Web of Science, and EMBASE, with the aim of retrieving studies published in English in the last decade from 2013 to 2023. To conceptualize the roles of paramedics in ensuring patient safety, the review findings were reflected to and analyzed through the role theory. The preliminary exploration of the database yielded 2397 studies, ultimately narrowing down to a final selection of 16 studies for in-depth data analysis and research synthesis. The review findings explored facilitators and obstacles faced by paramedics in maintaining patient safety in terms of role ambiguity, role conflict, role overload, role identity, and role insufficiency in the dynamic nature of prehospital care. It also highlighted the diverse roles of paramedics in ensuring patient safety, which encompassed effective communication and decision making for the appropriate management of life-threatening emergencies. The effectiveness of paramedics in playing their roles in promoting patient safety relies on acknowledging the contributions of paramedics to the culture of patient safety; training and educational initiatives focused on enhancing their decision-making abilities and both their non-technical and technical competencies; developing relevant guidelines and protocols; improving collaboration between paramedics and other healthcare peers; optimizing environmental conditions and equipment; fostering a supportive work environment.

A systematic integrative review of specialized nurses' role to establish a culture of patient safety: A modelling perspective.

AIMS: To understand specialized nurses' role in the culture of patient safety and their ability to promote and enforce it within healthcare. DESIGN: A systematic integrative review using the approach of Whittemore and Knafl. METHODS: Systematic literature search for qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies, followed by data evaluation, quality assessment, analysis and research synthesis with a narrative perspective. Findings were contextualized within a 'framework for understanding the development of patient safety culture'. DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted in PubMed [including MEDLINE], Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE from Jan 2013 until Sep 2023. RESULTS: Sixteen studies published in English from six different countries were selected and used for research synthesis. Diverse enabling factors and enacting behaviours influencing specialized nurses' roles to promote patient safety culture were identified, mainly focusing on nurses' workload, professional experiences and organizational commitment. Patient safety outcomes focused on medication management, infection prevention, surveillance process in critical care, oversight on quality and safety of nurses' practice, patient care management, continuity of care, adherence to the treatment plan and implementation of a specialized therapeutic procedure. CONCLUSION: Specialized nurses can make a significant contribution to promote patient safety culture and support organizational initiatives to prevent adverse events. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Stronger participation and leadership of specialized nurses in initiatives to improve patient safety culture requires appropriate investments and support by policy makers and managers in terms of resources and training. IMPACT: There is a gap in existing literature on the contribution that specialized nurses can make in promoting patient safety culture. Review results highlight the importance of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork by involving specialized nurses. They inform healthcare policy makers about recognizing their roles and competencies in patient safety culture. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. No patient or public contribution.

A grounded theory of the implementation of medical orders by clinical nurses.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the process of implementing medical orders by clinical nurses, and identify specific areas of concern in the implementation process, and uncover strategies to address these concerns. BACKGROUND: The implementation of medical orders is a crucial responsibility for clinical nurses, as they bear legal accountability for the precise implementation of directives issued by medical practitioners. The accurate implementation of these orders not only shapes the quality and safety of healthcare services but also presents numerous challenges that demand careful consideration. METHOD: This study employed a qualitative design using a grounded theory approach to construct a comprehensive theoretical framework grounded in the insights and experiences of nurses operating within the hospital settings of Iran. The study encompassed 20 participants, comprising 16 clinical nurses, two nurse managers, and two specialist doctors working in hospital settings. The selection process involved purposeful and theoretical sampling methods to ensure diverse perspectives. Data collection unfolded through in-depth, individual, semi-structured interviews, persisting until data saturation was achieved. The analytical framework proposed by Corbin and Strauss (2015) guided the process, leading to the development of a coherent theory encapsulating the essence of the study phenomenon. FINDINGS: The primary finding of the study underscores the significance of 'legal threat and job prestige' highlighting diverse repercussions in case of errors in the implementation of medical orders. At the core of the investigation, the central variable and the theory of the study was the 'selective and tasteful implementation of orders to avoid legal and organizational accountability.' This indicated a set of strategies employed by the nurses in the implementation of medical orders, encapsulated through three fundamental concepts: 'accuracy in controlling medical orders,' 'untruth documentation,' and 'concealment of events. The formidable influence of legal threats and job prestige was further compounded by factors such as heavy workloads, the doctor's non-compliance with legal instructions for giving verbal orders, the addition of orders by the doctor without informing nurses, and pressure by nursing managers to complete documentation. The resultant psychological distress experienced by nurses not only jeopardized patient safety but also underscored the intricate interplay between legal implications and professional standing within the healthcare framework. CONCLUSION: Alleviating staff shortages, enhancing the professional rapport between doctors and nurses, offering legal support to nursing staff, implementing measures such as recording departmental phone conversations to deter the non-acceptance of verbal orders, fostering an organizational culture that embraces nurse fallibility and encourages improvement, and upgrading equipment can ameliorate nurses' apprehensions and contribute to the safe implementation of medical orders.

Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy and adverse clinical outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has been recognised as a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy and clinical adverse effects using a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods: Databases of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed (including Medline), Cochrane Library and Science Direct were searched until June of 2023. Data analysis using statistical test fixed- and random-effects models in the meta-analysis, Cochran and meta-regression. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale checklist (NOS).Results: A total of 46 relevant studies, with a sample size of 1,554,141 were entered into the meta-analysis. Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth (OR: 1.8, CI 95%: 1.6-2.0), low birth weight (LBW; OR: 2.0, CI 95%: 1.5-2.6), premature rupture of membranes (PROMs; OR: 2.3, CI 95%: 1.8-3.0), abortion (OR: 4.3, CI 95%: 2.0-9.0), stillbirth (OR: 2.5, CI 95%: 1.2-5.0), placental abruption (OR: 2.2, CI 95%: 1.4-3.3) and placenta previa (OR: 1.9, CI 95%: 1.5-2.4).Conclusions: Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with preterm birth, LBW, PROMs, miscarriage, stillbirth, placental abruption and placenta previa. Therefore, physicians or midwives need to be aware of the possibility of these consequences and manage them when they occur.

Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy increases the relative risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, abortion, stillbirth, placental abruption and placenta previa.

A concept analysis of transitional care for people with cancer.

AIM: Transitional care as the journey between different caregivers in multiple healthcare centres is crucial for the provision of care to people with cancer, but it is often complex and poorly coordinated. This study aimed to analyse the concept of transitional care for people with cancer. DESIGN: Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted on the databases of PubMed (including MEDLINE), EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science to retrieve articles published between 2000 and 2022. RESULTS: Twenty-nine eligible articles were selected and their findings were classified in terms of related concepts and alternative terms, antecedents, attributes and consequences. Attributes included three main categories, namely 'nurse-related attributes', 'organisation-related attributes' and 'patient-related attributes'. Antecedents of transitional care for people with cancer were categorized into two main categories: 'patient-related antecedents' and 'caregiver-related antecedents'. Consequences were categorized into 'psychological consequences' and 'objective consequences'.

Effect of robot for medication management on home care professionals' use of working time in older people's home care: a non-randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Medication management has a key role in the daily tasks of home care professionals delivered to older clients in home care. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of using a robot for medication management on home care professionals´ use of working time. METHODS: A pragmatic non-randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. The participants were home care professionals who carried out home care clients' medication management. Home care clients were allocated into intervention groups (IG) and control groups (CG) (n = 64 and 46, respectively) based on whether or not they received the robot. Data were collected using the Working Time Tracking Form prior to and 1 and 2 months after introducing the intervention. The t-test was used to compare the groups at each three timepoints. Analysis of Covariance was used to examine the groups' differences for the total time for medications as the number of visits per day as the covariate. RESULTS: With robot use, the total amount of home visits decreased by 89.4% and 92.4% after 1 and 2 months of intervention use, respectively, compared to pre-intervention (p < 0.001). The total working time used for medication management considering the number of visits per day decreased from 54.2 min (95% CI 37.4-44.3) to 34.9 min (31.4-38.3), i.e., by slightly over 19 min (p < 0.001) in the IG group. During the follow-up, the total working time used for medication management considering the number of visits per day remained the same in the CG group. CONCLUSION: Using a robot for medication management had a notable effect on decreasing the use of working time of home care professionals. For health services, decreased use of working time for medication management means that the time saved can be assigned to services that cannot be replaced otherwise. More digital solutions should be developed based on home care clients' and professionals' needs to meet the challenge of the growing number of older people in need of home care and ensure their safety. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05908604 retrospectively registered (18/06/2023).

The effect of hospital-to-home transitional care using a digital messaging application on the health outcomes of patients undergoing CABG and their family caregivers: a randomized controlled trial study protocol.

Objectives: Given the increasing trend of care transition from healthcare settings to patients' own home, patients and their family caregivers should take more responsibilities for care at own home. This study is going to investigate the effect of a transitional care program from hospital to own home using a digital messaging application on patients' undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and their family caregivers' health outcomes. Methods: A parallel randomized controlled trial study will be conducted in a hospital in a metropolis located in southwestern Iran. Sampling will be performed sequentially and the eligible dyad of patients and family caregivers will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive a transitional care program for 8 weeks using the WhatsApp on the mobile phone based on the person-centered care approach, but the control group will receive routine care for patient's transition. Data collection will be conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and two months after the intervention using demographic questionnaire, Cardiac Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), MacNew Heart Disease Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire (MNHD-Q), Cardiac Symptom Scale (CSS), Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, and Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS). Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used for data analysis. Conclusions: The results of this study will allow evaluating the effectiveness of an innovative transitional care program to patients' own home using a digital messaging application. If the transitional program is shown feasible and effective it can be incorporated into existing care programs and stimulate further studies on the use of digital solutions for improving the continuity of care in own home.

Prevalence of preterm birth in Scandinavian countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: As welfare societies, Scandinavian countries share characteristics of equality related to healthcare access, gender, and social services. However, cultural and lifestyle variations create country-specific health differences. This meta-analysis assessed the prevalence of preterm birth (PTB) and its categories in Scandinavian countries. METHODS: A systematic search in key databases of literature published between 1990 and 2021 identified studies of the prevalence of PTB and its categories. Following the use of the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation, a meta-analysis of weighted data was performed using the random-effects model and meta-prop method. RESULTS: We identified 109 observational studies that involved 86,420,188 live births. The overall pooled prevalence (PP) of PTB was 5.3% (PP = 5.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.1%, 5.5%). The highest prevalence was in Norway (PP = 6.2%, 95% CI 5.3%, 7.0%), followed by Sweden (PP = 5.3%, 95% CI 5.1%, 5.4%), Denmark (PP = 5.2%, 95% CI 4.9%, 5.3%), and Iceland (PP = 5.0%, 95% CI 4.4%, 5.7%). Finland had the lowest PTB rate (PP = 4.9%, 95% CI 4.7%, 5.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall PP of PTB was 5.3%, with small variations among countries (4.9%-6.2%). The highest and lowest PPs of PTB were in Norway and Finland, respectively.

Hospital response challenges and strategies during COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

Background: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare managers at hospitals did not have sufficient experiences to appropriately respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Due to a lack of preparedness, many challenges arose in the healthcare system, and each country developed and implemented strategies depending on national policies. This study aimed to understand challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies used in Iranian hospitals. Methods: A qualitative research was conducted in four hospitals in an urban area of Iran. In-depth semi-structured interviews were performed with 32 participants including healthcare managers, nurses, and medical doctors. Data underwent qualitative content analysis. Results: Four categories were developed: 'capacity expansion', 'management affairs', 'diagnostic services," and therapeutic services'. Each category consisted of 2-3 subcategories. Conclusion: Hospitals should be prepared to intelligently respond to future epidemics. It is necessary to develop a comprehensive epidemic plan for the management of disasters to reduce the impact of the epidemic and minimize the risk to public health and ensure that resources are allocated in an efficient and effective manner.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence and Coping Strategies among Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), as a commonly reported problem among prostate cancer survivors, has not been fully understood. This study aimed to explore the experience of FCR and relevant coping strategies among Iranian prostate cancer survivors. METHODS: Qualitative research was conducted on 13 men who completed treatments for prostate cancer in the last 24 months. The participants were selected through purposeful sampling, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Conventional content analysis was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Data analysis led to the emergence of three themes. "Living with insecurity" describes the participants' experiences regarding what triggers FCR with two categories, including "fear of incomplete cure" and "fear of cancer return." In addition, "struggling to cope" with two categories, including "psychological strategies" and "spiritual coping," presents coping strategies used by the participants for reducing FCR. Furthermore, "trying to prevent cancer recurrence" with two categories, "seeking health" and "lifestyle modification," indicates coping strategies used by the participants to prevent cancer recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers need to consider the cultural characteristics of prostate cancer survivors when assessing their FCR, encourage them to disclose their concerns and fears, and provide tailored interventions in order to reduce FCR among them.

Unsafe doctor-nurse interactions in the process of implementing medical orders: A qualitative study.

AIM: This study aimed to explore challenges faced by clinical nurses in the process of implementing medical orders. DESIGN: A qualitative study using inductive content analysis. METHODS: Semi-structured individual interviews were carried out with 17 participants including nurses, nurse managers and medical doctors who were purposefully selected. The collected data underwent inductive qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The main research finding was the category of 'unsafe doctor-nurse interaction'. It included three subcategories: 'conflicts in documenting and executing orders', 'not accepting the nurse's suggestions for writing and correcting orders' and 'failure to accept the responsibility of orders by the doctor'. Challenges in the professional relationship between doctors and nurses cause mistrust and conflict. They also enhance nurses' concerns about professional and legal issues in the workplace and endanger patient safety.

Effect of Chamomile on the Complications of Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, many people across the world still suffer from this chronic disease and its complications. Chamomile as an herbal medicine has gained an increasing attention for relieving cancer complications. This study aimed to integrate and synthesize current international evidence regarding the effect of chamomile on cancer complications. METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken. Five online databases including Web of Science, PubMed [including MEDLINE], Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase were searched and articles published from inception to January 2023 were retrieved. All clinical trials and similar interventional studies on human subjects examining the effects of chamomile on cancer complications were included in the review and research synthesis. Relevant data were extracted from eligible studies after quality appraisals using proper methodological tools. The review results were presented narratively given that meta-analysis was impossible. RESULTS: A total of 2240 studies were retrieved during the search process, but 18 articles were selected. The total sample size was 1099 patients with cancer of which 622 participants were female. Fifteen studies used an RCT design. Various forms of chamomile were used such as mouthwash, topical material, tea, capsule, syrup and aromatherapy massage. Chamomile effectively reduced oral mucositis, skin complications, depression, and vomiting and also improved appetite and quality of life among cancer patients. CONCLUSION: The use of chamomile as a non-pharmacologic and safe method can be helpful for mitigating cancer complications in patients with cancer. Therefore, it can be incorporated into routine care along with other therapeutic measures to reduce patients' suffering related to cancer. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER (PROSPERO): CRD42022307887.

Design and psychometric properties of the family support for older people questionnaire.

Background and objectives: The population of older people is increasing across the world. Older people need care and support from their families to be able to live independently. This study aimed to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of the family support for older people (FSOP) questionnaire. Methods: In this instrument development study using a mixed-methods design, the psychometric properties of the FSOP questionnaire in terms of validity and reliability were evaluated. Results: The FSOP questionnaire consisted of 50 items in six domains. It was shown to have appropriate qualitative and quantitative validities (score > 1.5). The indicators of content validity (CVR > 0.62, ICVI ≥ 0.80, and SCVI > 0.94) and confirmatory factor analysis (indexes of χ2/df = 2.50, CFI = 0.96, GFI = 0.97, AGFI = 0.96, NNFI = 0.96, PNFI = 0.89, TLI = 0.96, and RMSEA = 0.06) were satisfactory. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for reliability was 0.94, indicating an optimal score. Conclusions: Healthcare providers and family caregivers are suggested to use the FSOP questionnaire for improving the quality of life of older people at home.

A grounded theory study of alarm fatigue among nurses in intensive care units.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the process of how nurses experienced and dealt with alarm fatigue in intensive care units based on Iranian nurses' perceptions and experiences. BACKGROUND: Alarm fatigue is the overstimulation of senses due to the constant ringing of alarms in intensive care units. It is associated with nurses' desensitization to critical alarms that can directly influence patient safety and quality of care. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory study using the grounded theory approach by Strauss and Corbin was carried out. Participants were 20 nurses working in intensive care units. The sampling process was started purposively and continued theoretically. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth, and individual interviews and continued to data saturation. The constant comparative analysis approach was used consisting of the following steps: open coding, developing concepts, analysing the context, entering the process into data analysis, integrating categories. FINDINGS: The participants' main concern in the exposure to alarm fatigue was 'threat to personal balance'. The core category in this research was 'trying to create a holistic balance', which reflected a set of strategies that the nurses consistently and continuously used to deal with alarm fatigue and consisted of four main categories as follows: 'smart care', 'deliberate balancing', 'conditional prioritisation', and 'negligent performance'. Threat to personal balance was strengthened by 'inappropriate circuit of individual roles', 'distortion of the organisational structure', and 'insecurity of the infrastructure'. The consequences of this process was harm to the patient, burnout among nurse, and damage to the healthcare organisation. CONCLUSIONS: The research findings have practical implications for healthcare management, policymaking, nursing education, research, and clinical practice. Mitigating staff shortages, improving staff competencies, enhancing nurses' authority for responding to alarms, modifying care routines, improving the physical environment, and removing problems related to alarm equipment can prevent alarm fatigue and its unappropriated consequences.

Effects of rose and lavender scents on nurses' job stress: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: A high percentage of nurses working in hospitals suffer from job stress and related psychological problems. This study aimed to examine and compare the effects of aromatherapy using lavender and rose essential oils on nurses' job stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized placebo controlled trial was conducted on 118 eligible nurses who were randomly assigned into three groups of lavender (n = 39), rose (n = 40), and sesame seed as placebo (n = 39). The nurses received lavender and rose scents for two hours a day during four weeks. The Gray-Toft and Anderson's Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) was used to measure job stress before the interventions on the first day, and at the end of the second and fourth weeks. Descriptive and inferential statistics tests were used for data analysis. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the groups in job stress before the interventions and at the end of the second week were observed. There were statistically significant differences between the groups at the end of the fourth week (p <0.003). Aromatherapy using rose scent had a positive effect on the nurses' job stress at the end of the fourth week compared to the placebo (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy using rose scent is a safe and non-pharmacologic method that can be used by nurses for improving their own comfort at the workplace. It can reduce nurses' overreliance on medications for relieving the symptoms of job stress.

Smart care for dealing with nurses' alarm fatigue in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Alarm fatigue is a condition in which a person experiences sensory overload or desensitization in exposure to frequent non-actionable alarms. Nurses are the main users of alarms in health care and their behaviors for alarm management influence the occurrence of alarm fatigue. OBJECTIVES: This qualitative research aimed to explore strategies used by nurses in dealing with nurses' alarm fatigue in the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: Qualitative research was carried out. Eighteen nurses working in ICUs were selected purposefully and were invited to take part in individual semi-structured interviews. Collected data were analyzed using content analysis for developing categories and subcategories. SETTING: Twelve ICUs in ten hospitals in four urban areas of Iran. RESULTS: The research's main category was "smart care" consisting of two categories of "technologic actions" and "non-technologic actions." Also, six subcategories were developed: "identifying the cause and taking timely actions", "personalized alarm settings", "reducing the number of unnecessary alarms", "effective teamwork", "improving the physical environment and ward arrangement", and "self-calmness". CONCLUSION: Smart care by nurses included a set of active and proactive interventions developed through thinking and reflection and the use of information, skills, and experiences in order to manage exposure to alarm fatigue. Strategies used by nurses to prevent alarm fatigue can reduce the physical and psychological burden caused by frequent exposure to alarms in the ICU and consequently can have direct impacts on the quality and safety of nursing care. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurses in the healthcare process often experience alarm fatigue that is influenced by the cultural-contextual aspect of care and the care environment. Smart care in terms of technologic and non-technologic actions helps with the prevention of alarm fatigue.