Abstract
Background:
Sedation and analgesia are vital components of intensive care unit management, particularly in instinctive ventilated patients. Proper sedation protocols aim to balance comfort with the risks of over-sedation, such as prolonged ventilation and delirium.
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of standardized sedation and analgesia protocols in enhancing patient comfort, reducing ICU delirium incidence, and facilitating earlier ventilator weaning in critically ill patients.
Methods:
A systematic literature review and data analysis were conducted on ICU sedation strategies, focusing on protocoled care, delirium assessment tools, and sedation interruptions.
Results:
Evidence suggests that protocol-driven sedation improves patient outcomes by reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, minimizing delirium episodes, and enhancing overall patient comfort. Daily sedation interruption and light sedation targets were associated with better recovery trajectories.
Conclusion:
Standardized sedation and analgesia protocols in the ICU are instrumental in optimizing care by improving comfort, reducing complications, and accelerating recovery. Their integration into ICU practice is crucial for evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Keywords: ICU,