Background: Nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2 50%/50%) is an effective and safe technique for procedural sedation in paediatric settings; however, the knowledge, use and perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding N2O/O2 remain limited.
Aim: To investigate the knowledge, use and perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding N2O/O2 in maternal-infant and emergency units.
Study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted (March to December 2024) using (i) a sociodemographic information tool and (ii) a 16-item questionnaire assessing knowledge, clinical use, perceived barriers and willingness to adopt N2O/O2. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed.
Results: Of 113 respondents, 40.7% reported currently using N2O/O2 in their clinical units, while 91.0% of non-users expressed willingness to adopt it. Barriers included lack of equipment (92.9%) and training (84.1%). 91.1% considered N2O/O2 ethically acceptable, consistent with principles of beneficence, non-maleficence and child comfort. Employment in emergency units and holding a three-year nursing degree were significant predictors of N2O/O2 use.
Conclusions: Limited Use of N2O/O2 in Italian Paediatrics Contrasts With Strong Professional Interest. Improving Training and Resources Could Enhance Access to Safe Paediatric Sedation.
Relevance to clinical practice: Training, equipment and guidelines are needed to translate willingness into real clinical practice, improving the safety and consistency of paediatric sedation.
Keywords: conscious sedation; cross‐sectional study; inhalation analgesia; nitrous oxide; paediatric emergency medicine.
© 2026 The Author(s). Nursing in Critical Care published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Association of Critical Care Nurses.