Reducing Deep Sedation and Benzodiazepine Use in Mechanically Ventilated Patients During Critical Care Transport
sciencedirect.comThe rate of deep sedation in this cohort was consistent with previously published data; however, it remains higher than clinically indicated.
Over the course of the QI project, the proportion of deeply sedated patients without an indication decreased from 83% to 63%.
Compared with internal historical data, the rate of benzodiazepine use decreased before any specific interventions, demonstrating an important shift in practice pattern.
Our aim to reduce deep sedation by 25% was met by the end of the QI period.
All 3 PDSA cycle interventions resulted in an improvement in the proportion of deeply sedated patients but did not meet special cause variation.
The most significant decrease occurred after the initial brainstorming session before the beginning of PDSA cycles.