The Relationship between Daily Sedative Interruption and Selected Patients' Outcomes among Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Abstract
Background: Mechanically ventilated patients are a risk group whose outcomes are negatively affected by many factors. Among these factors is sedation because it is a cornerstone therapy for critically ill patients.
Aim of the Study: To investigate the relationship between daily sedation interruption and selected outcomes of critically ill mechanically ventilated patients.
Research Design: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized.
Research Questions: What is the relationship between daily sedation interruption and (frequency of organ dysfunction, length of ICU stay, and weaning from mechanical ventilation) among adult critically ill mechanically ventilated patients?
Setting: Different intensive care units of Cairo University Hospitals.
Sample: A purposive sample of 80 critically ill patients connected to mechanical ventilators for at least 12 hours.
Tools of Data Collection: Four tools were utilized to collect data pertinent to the current study:
Tool 1: Personnel characteristics & medical data sheet,
Tool 2: Daily sedative interruption outcomes assessment tool, Tool 3: Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS),
Tool 4: Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA score) tool.
Results: The majority (72.5%) of the studied sample was males, and 43.8% were in the age group of 50-£60. More than one third received fentanyl as sedation. A significant statistical relationship was found between sedation name and ICU length of stay, sedation dose and ICU length of stay, RASS score and mechanical ventilator days (c2=24.72, p-value <0.002), (c2=32.18, p£0.008), (c2=10.63, p£0.031) respectively. No significant statistical relationship was found between sedation name and the weaning type from mechanical ventilation (c2= 7.190.15, p<0.126). No significant statistical relationship was found between sedation name and the occurrence of organ failure (c2=3.29, p<0.192).
Conclusion: The current study revealed a significant statistical relationship between sedative agents, doses and ICU length of stay. However, no significant relationship between sedative agents and weaning type and occurrence of organ failure.
Recommendations: Avialability of evidence base guidelines for management of pain and sedation in ICU. Enhance the work of the multidisciplinary team who can provide the optimum care for the mechanically ventilated patients.