Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
Nurses' and physicians' experience of a new algorithm for tapering analgosedation in the paediatric intensive care
Mette Dokken1, Tone Rustøen2, Thordis Thomsen3
1Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Pediatric Intensive Care Section, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
Aim/Objective:
Iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome occurs frequently during the tapering phase of opioids and benzodiazepines in paediatric intensive care units. The aim of this study was to explore physicians' and nurses' experiences in patient care and staff collaboration during the tapering phase using a new "algorithm for tapering analgosedation" METHODS: We used a qualitative explorative design with focus groups. The framework method was followed including transcription, familiarisation, coding, developing a framework, applying the framework, charting data into the framework matrix, and interpreting the data. The study was conducted at two paediatric intensive care units at Oslo University Hospital in Norway. Nurses and physicians who had used the new algorithm participated in the study.
Findings:
Three focus-group interviews were conducted with a total of 15 informants. Three main themes were identified with relevant subthemes: "Caring for a child in withdrawal", "Advantages of the algorithm", and "Challenges of the algorithm". The algorithm positively affected patient care and staff collaboration during tapering. The use of the Withdrawal Assessment Tool-1 integrated in the algorithm required experienced nurses due to the risk of false-positive patient assessments.
Conclusion:
Nurses and physicians in our study experienced that the new algorithm promoted staff collaboration and positively affected patient care. The use of the Withdrawal Assessment Tool-1 integrated in the algorithm required experienced staff and resources for continuous staff education.
