To examine the performance of a pediatric sedation team working according to a specific protocol and to assess parental satisfaction with the service.

A descriptive observational study of all procedures performed by the sedation team (comprising sedation-trained pediatric intensive care nurses and dedicated anesthesiologists) in a university hospital over 6 years. Data collected included demographics, procedure and location, sedation staff present, sedation failure, drugs used, requirements for escalation of sedation, complications, and parental satisfaction.

Sedation was provided for 8760 procedures in 5554 children. The sedation nurse started 1769 (20%) procedures using triclofos sodium and required the assistance of the anesthesiologist in 115 (6.5%) cases. The remaining 6991 (80%) cases were performed by the anesthesiologist, predominantly using propofol (in 72.5% of cases). No cases were deferred as a result of insufficient sedation. Adverse events were recorded in 153 (1.7%) children. Of these, 132 (86%) were mild decreases in oxygen saturation. Three children were not discharged as a result of oversedation. Feedback indicated that 95% of parents were very satisfied with the sedation service.

A dedicated sedation team using a written protocol provides a service with minimal case cancellation, zero sedation failure, very good safety, and excellent parental satisfaction.