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Updated: May 16, 2026

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Pharmacist-developed sedation protocol and impact on ventilator days
Lindsay Hahn1, Jennifer Beall, R Scott Turner
1Belmont University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, TN 37212, USA. lindsay.hahn@belmont.edu
Implementing intensive care unit (ICU) sedation protocols significantly reduces mechanical ventilation duration. This strategy decreases the number of days patients require breathing support, improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Therapy
Background:
- Mechanical ventilation is required by up to one-third of ICU patients.
- Complications include lung injury and gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Sedation protocols aim to optimize treatment and reduce ventilation days.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an ICU sedation protocol.
- Primary endpoint: days on mechanical ventilation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review.
- Compared 21 patients before and 21 patients after protocol implementation.
Main Results:
- Post-protocol patients had decreased mechanical ventilation duration (3.78 days) vs. pre-protocol (6.39 days).
- Sedation protocol implementation reduced days to extubation by 2.61 days.
Conclusions:
- ICU sedation protocols effectively decrease mechanical ventilation duration.
- Demonstrates the impact of pharmacists on policy and protocol development.
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