Why develop a protocol for handling analgesia and sedation in critical care?

Research evidence has shown that education of practitioners and the use of a pain management program can lead to improved analgesia therapy. This is important because better management of pain and sedation can improve the quality of care for our patients and possibly lead to shorter lengths of stay. The use of protocols for sedation and analgesia can decrease variability in practice and reduce overall costs within the critical care unit.

Following a review of practices within the critical care units at the London Health Sciences Centre related to the management of pain, anxiety and delirium, a task force was established to develop an evidence-based and standardized approach to the treatment of these three common problems.

This on-line, self-directed teaching program has been developed to assist with the dissemination of information to medical and nursing staff at the London Health Sciences Centre, and to complement educational inservices also being provided.

To begin this program, click on the link for Module 1, and review information within this section. Proceed to Module 2 and 3 when ready. After reviewing content included within each of the modules, or at any point when you feel prepared to complete the final quiz, click on Module 4 to "take the test". After successful completion of the test, print the final page, fill in your name and ID number, and return the page to the Clinical Educator at your site (Rachelle McCready, Univerity Campus; Brenda Morgan, South Street Site).

Please forward any feedback regarding this program to Brenda Morgan at brenda.morgan@lhsc.on.ca.

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