Sedation Protocols for Intubated Patients

does anyone have any sedation protocols they are willing/able to share? our facility is just now trying to get started with a protocol, and we would be extremely appreciative if we could get an idea of what is working well for others that we may want to implement.

We used a sedation protocol that included propofol, ativan , or precedex. The md ordered it, and the RN titrated to desired effect-SAS 3-4. A sedation holiday was done every morning to assess for spontaneous breathing, neuro, and so on. If sedation was still needed the dose was re-stared at half the original dose.

Have your ICU pharmacist and pulmonologists involved with the protocol if you are trying to develop one for your unit. Multidisciplinary involvement is needed to gain buy-in and train staff on things like propofol infusion syndrome and so on. Overall, protocols are the way to go, and give nurses in ICU's great autonomy.

We have sedation protocols. One continuous the other intermittent. We use the continuous mostly. We titrate the drips according to MAAS score.