St. Joseph Hospital Evidence Based Nursing Practice (cont'd)

Sedation Management and weaning to facilitate extubation in the ICU

Investigator: Victoria Randazzo, RN, BSN, CCRN

Purpose: This multidisiplinary team is looking at the comprehensive way in which sedation (Benzodiazepines, Propofol) is managed in the intubated ICU patient. The intent is to promote a recognition of the ability to wean by using a daily "sedation vacation". The process utilizes a team approach between the staff nurse, the respiratory therapist and the Intensivist. This evidence based practice focuses on reducing ventilator associated pneumonia, shorter patient stays, reduced costs and better patient outcomes.
In addition to tracking patient outcomes, the process involves staff education which is facilitated by the team's ten member nursing staff and the clinical educator. Dr. Duke, one of the physician Intensivists, is offering the ICU staff a class titled "Sedation/Agitation in the Mechanically Ventilated Patient".