Developments in procedural sedation for adults

Abstract

Understanding the context of procedural sedation. Sedation is ubiquitous in clinical practice. A two day survey of six UK hospitals found that outwith the operating theatres and Intensive Care Units, the most frequent sedation locations were endoscopy, radiology and cardiology facilities and Emergency Departments. However, sedation is also delivered infrequently in many other environments. Particularly on large hospitals sites, these minor locations may be a significant distance from the usual sources of help (emergency team, anaesthetists, intensive care). Off-site sedation is common in dental practice, typically in facilities very different from the hospital environment.