Smarter Alarms Could Mean Smoother Hospital Stays in Calgary

Calgary, get ready for quieter hospitals! A groundbreaking innovation from the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business is set to transform the patient and clinician experience, making hospital stays less stressful and more efficient.

On October 28, 2025, Hossein Piri unveiled an intelligent, personalized alert system designed to cut through the cacophony of traditional hospital alarms. Anyone who has spent time in a hospital knows the constant beeping can be overwhelming for both patients trying to rest and the dedicated healthcare teams. Studies show hospital noise levels often exceed safe limits, sometimes rivalling city traffic, leading to increased stress, fatigue, and even communication errors for staff. Piri's research aims to tackle this "alarm fatigue" head-on, where up to 99% of alerts are false, desensitizing nurses and potentially delaying responses to genuine needs.

This isn't just about turning down the volume; it's about smarter, contextual alerts that truly matter. For Calgarians, this means smoother, more peaceful hospital visits, improved patient outcomes, and a better working environment for our vital healthcare professionals. The University of Calgary is a hub for research with real-world impact, consistently ranking among Canada's top research universities. This aligns perfectly with Calgary's growing focus on health innovation and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Initiatives like this are crucial, especially as Alberta Health Services continually seeks ways to improve patient experience and support its workforce.

It's exciting to see local research addressing a critical issue that impacts every Calgarian at some point. Cheers to a calmer, more efficient future for healthcare in our city!