Number of patients that the monitor tech observes

[gtmoore]

i am trying to determine if there is a "safe" and maximum number of patients that a monitor technician should observe at any given time. for those hospitals that utilize monitor techs, how many patients do your monitor technicians watch simultaneously at your hospitals? also, if the maximum number is spelled out in policy at your facility, could you state that as well? finally, is anyone aware of any research or practice standards concerning this issue?

thank you so much for your input.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I don't have a specific answer for you, but I would suggest that you investigate this area of study in the "human factors" field. These are the people who develop computer/technology interfaces. There is a ton of research on exactly how people interact with computer screen displays - including how long they are able to pay attention to any single element. This is all directly applicable to your area of interest.

[gtmoore]

Thank you so much, great idea.

[noregrets]

We are a 30 bed high acuity Intermediate Care Unit with the monitors at the nurses station. Our HUC (Health Unit Coordinator) watches at the most 32 beds (30 of our unit, 2 remote if needed), answers the phone and the call light. The other HUC puts in the orders, this is on day shift. On night shift we have one HUC who does it all. This works very well.