Barriers to Changing Sedation Practice for Patients Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation on the Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Interview Study of Clinical Staff.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medical sedation is a requirement for mechanical ventilation for most patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Sedation can help minimise patient discomfort, pain and distress, but can lead to hypotension, bradycardia, prolonged ventilation and delirium. Improving sedation practice is key to improving sedation-related patient outcomes.

Aim

This study aims to explore ICU staff experience with sedation practices and identify potential areas for improvement and innovation.

Study design

Semi-structured interview study exploring views, experiences and clinical decision-making of ICU medical and nursing staff from two NHS adult ICUs in Yorkshire, England. Interviews were recorded to enable anonymous transcript production. Transcripts were coded using r

SUBMITTER: Richards ND 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12805316 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature