Sedation and delirium in the critically ill

Sedation is used widely on critical care and is necessary to facilitate and alleviate the stress of invasive and potentially painful organ supportive therapies. Its use, however, is associated with morbidity and mortality. Treatments therefore need to be minimized and optimized wherever possible with overtreatment being avoided. It should be patient centred, with a focus of treating pain and agitation and delirium, common symptoms in critical care. Delirium itself is associated with morbidity and mortality and as such, all healthcare professionals involved with the care of the critically ill have a duty to identify, manage and minimize this distressing complication.