Nursing implementation of a validated agitation and sedation scale: An evaluation of its outcomes on ventilator days and ICU length of stay.

Background: Intensive Care Units (ICU) often initiate mechanical ventilation (MV) in conjunction with sedation for patients who cannot maintain adequate oxygenation or ventilation on their own. Continuous use of sedation increases the likelihood of negative events associated with ventilators such as ventilator-associated pneumonia while, at the same time, continuing to increase the length of MV.

Objectives: This study sought to analyze the effects of implementing a mandated Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale (RASS) entry with each sedative scan on a unit where no parameters were in place to monitor sedation levels.