A patient monitor system (10) includes a signal processor (30) which analyzes signals from physiological parameter sensors (20) to derive physiological data values, plots, and alarms. A display (12) displays physiological values and plots (42). An advisor engine, routine, or processor (34) is connected with the signal processor to analyze at least alarm occurrences, also in combination with user interactions, and provide directly actionable advice for reducing alarm frequency which is displayed unobtrusively on the display. The directly actionable advice includes specific actions or adjustments which are specific to a current patient, a present situation, or a present mode or setting of the patient monitor system. The unobtrusively displayed directly actionable advice is displayed without the use requesting it.