Conscious sedation clinical guideline. Conscious Sedation Working Group, Medical Association of South Africa

The objective of this guideline is to promote safe conscious sedation technique.

(I) The use of safe conscious sedation techniques with endpoints of patient comfort and anxiolysis without loss of protective reflexes; (II) the use of drugs with a wide margin of safety that will protect against unintended oversedation.

Based on existing consensus statements and some research reports.

Relevant organisations involved in conscious sedation were asked to select a representative to participate in the MASA Conscious Sedation Working Group. All participants represented organisations. The working group met in January 1996 to consider a draft guideline. The document was amended and circulated to working group members, representative organisations and 35 interested persons for endorsement and comment using a modified Delphi technique. All respondents endorsed the guideline (with or without minor corrections.) The national organisations endorsing the guidelines are listed.

The use of drugs, equipment and personnel as directed in such a way that enhances the safety of the patient. Pre-sedation screening for at-risk patients. Intra-sedation monitoring, especially the use of a pulse oximeter. Post-sedation care and discharge instructions for the patient.