Implementation of an Analgesia-sedation Algorithm in the Pediatric ICU to Reduce Benzodiazepine Use

The purpose of the study is to develop and implement an evidence-based analgesia-sedation algorithm in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) using quality improvement and implementation science methodology. The analgesia-sedation protocol will be implemented for patients admitted to the pediatric ICU who require mechanical ventilation for greater than 24 hours. Specifically, we will examine the impact of this implementation on total benzodiazepine usage, ICU length of stay, and ventilator free days, using a pre- and post- algorithm implementation comparative design.