Clinician perspectives on protocols designed to minimize sedation

J Crit Care. 2015 Apr;30(2):348-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2014.10.021. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Abstract

Purpose: Within a multicenter randomized trial comparing protocolized sedation with protocolized sedation plus daily interruption (DI), we sought perspectives of intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians regarding each strategy.

Methods: At 5 ICUs, we administered a questionnaire daily to nurses and physicians, asking whether they liked using the assigned strategy, reasons for their responses, and concerns regarding DI.

Results: A total of 301 questionnaires were completed, for 31 patients (15 protocol only and 16 DI); 117 (59 physicians and 58 nurses) were the first questionnaire completed by that health care provider for that patient and were included in analyses. Most respondents liked using the assigned strategy (81% protocol only and 81% DI); more physicians than nurses liked DI (100% vs 61%; P < .001). Most common reasons for liking the assigned sedation strategy were better neurologic assessment (70% DI), ease of use (58% protocol only), and improved patient outcomes (51% protocol only and 44% DI). Only 19% of clinicians disliked the assigned sedation strategy (equal numbers for protocol only and DI). Respondents' concerns during DI were respiratory compromise (61%), pain (48%), agitation (45%), and device removal (26%). More questionnaires from nurses than physicians expressed concerns about DI.

Conclusions: Most respondents liked both sedation strategies. Nurses and physicians had different preferences and rationales for liking or disliking each strategy.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00675363.

Keywords: Analgesia; Attitudes of health personnel; Daily interruption; Intensive care unit; Mechanical ventilation; Sedation protocol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Clinical Protocols*
  • Conscious Sedation / methods*
  • Critical Care Nursing*
  • Critical Illness
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Male
  • Patient Care Team
  • Psychomotor Agitation / prevention & control
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Respiration, Artificial* / methods
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00675363