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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:04
Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Published on: July 4, 2018
Protocolized and target-based sedation and analgesia in the ICU
Curtis N Sessler1, Sammy Pedram
1Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Box 980050, Richmond, VA 23298-0050, USA. csessler@vcu.edu
Critical Care Clinics
|July 7, 2009
Summary
Structured sedation management using algorithms improves patient comfort and recovery. These evidence-based protocols reduce mechanical ventilation duration and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Sedative and analgesic medications are crucial for patient comfort but can cause delayed recovery and prolonged mechanical ventilation.
- Structured approaches like sedation algorithms and protocols can standardize care and minimize adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the benefits of structured sedation management in critical care.
- To emphasize the components and implementation of patient-focused sedation algorithms.
Main Methods:
- Review of published sedation protocols and clinical trials.
- Focus on multidisciplinary development and implementation of sedation algorithms.
- Incorporation of specific targets, validated assessment tools, and medication selection.
Main Results:
- Sedation algorithms and protocols have demonstrated shorter mechanical ventilation durations.
- Reduced intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay is a common benefit.
- Superior sedation management compared to usual care has been observed.
Conclusions:
- Patient-focused sedation algorithms promote evidence-based care and reduce sedation-related complications.
- Implementation requires multidisciplinary collaboration and adequate resources.
- Structured sedation management optimizes patient outcomes in the ICU.
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