Effectiveness of new sedation and rehabilitation methods for critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of new sedation management methods and cooperation between nurses and physical therapists on the duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization. [Subjects and Methods] Patients who had been treated at the study hospital 2 years before and after the implementation of the new methods were analyzed retrospectively and classified into a "control group" and an "intervention group", respectively. Both groups were analyzed and subsequently compared regarding the effects of the new sedation and cooperative rehabilitation. [Results] A total of 70 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided evenly into the two groups. No significant differences were found between the groups in age, APACHE II score, or duration of stay in hospital. On the other hand, significant decreases were seen in the duration of sedation and intubation, mechanical ventilation, and stay in the emergency ward, as well as time until standing. In addition, after intervention, three patients undergoing ventilator treatment were able to be ambulated. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the new sedation and cooperative rehabilitation methods for critically ill patients were effective in the early stage of treatment and shortened the duration of stay in the ward.