Comparative Analysis: Sedation Training in Different Medical Fields

Sedation is a medical procedure where a medication is given to patients to relax the body, reduce anxiety, or obtain a state of calmness before some medical interventions. Frequently, the goal is to lessen a patient's fear and make them more compliant during a medical procedure. Since it poses certain risks, implementing sedation training programs in various sectors of medical disciplines is advisable to ensure the highest level of patient care. 

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges states that “the single most common recurring theme is the lack of formal training for the appropriate administration of sedative drugs and prompt recognition and treatment of sedation-related complications.” So, sedation is one of the most imperative skills to acquire to provide a patient with adequate medical practice to ensure patient safety and comfort. Nowadays, different medical fields require different levels of sedation training. However, who should take safe sedation training?

Who Should Choose Safe Sedation Training?

It is the responsibility of all disciplines using sedation techniques to ensure that their healthcare workers acquire training in sedation. Sedation is integral to the daily practice of healthcare personnel. It ranges from procedures associated with dentistry and orthodontics to procedures conducted before, during, or after surgeries and scans such as endoscopic procedures, diagnostic imaging, cardiac procedures, etc. The level and type of sedation varies depending on the patient's medical condition, the nature of procedures being carried out, the competence of the healthcare provider or doctor conducting the procedure, and so on.

Sedation training helps healthcare professionals gain the necessary experience and teaches them what to consider during the procedure. It usually covers: 

• Reviewing the basics of human anatomy and physiology (how the body works), as well as learning how to manage the airway and rescue techniques. 
• How to administer and monitor the patient’s level of sedation.
• The level of sedation suitable for different procedures.

Correctly done, sedation is safe and effective. It is important to know the type, medications, and dosage for various procedures, as different medical specialty fields require different levels of sedation. So, who should have proper sedation education?

1. Sedation Training for Physician Assistants (PA)

Physician assistants (PA) are trained to provide a wide range of services — from diagnosing to assisting during surgeries. They must not only differentiate sedation types but be able to determine the needed dosage based on pre-procedure assessment. 

Each country or state has its supervisory requirements, which determine the scope of practice for a medical physician assistant. If a physician assistant's scope includes performing diagnostic therapeutic procedures and sedation management, they should take sedation training to learn the following:

• Different sedation states and their particularities
• Protocol guidelines
• Sedatives: types, dosages, drug interaction
• Airway complications
• Rescue or resuscitation measures
• Recovery handoff and discharge

It is even more critical for physician assistants to gain experience in this area since they are dependent practitioners by law. Therefore, they typically exercise considerable autonomy in clinical decision-making and patient care.

2. Sedation Training for Nurse Practitioners (NP)

Nurses play various roles, including reassuring and supporting the patients, acting as chaperones, answering any questions they may ask, and keeping detailed notes, such as the patient's medical and social history. They can assist in sedation and help in emergencies.

Nurses should be caring with a positive attitude and good communication skills as they interact with patients frequently. As standards, guidelines, and legislation change, NPs want to continue their professional development. During sedation training, they will keep their knowledge and skills up to date on:

• Patient pre-sedation evaluation
• Patient monitoring techniques
• Education and informed consent

3. Sedation Training for Medical Directors and Hospital Administrators

Medical directors and hospital administrators are also recommended to take sedation training to focus on:

Quality improvement. Since they are responsible for patient safety, they must know sedation safety protocols to minimize risks within their facilities. They will be trained to improve sedation management and prevent side effects with continuing education necessary to meet the recommended guidelines of accrediting bodies and state board requirements for providers.

Team training and communication through sedation procedures. Understanding sedation protocols and practices will promote effective team communication and collaboration regarding risks, expectations, and internal policies to provide better services.

Resource management. Skills needed to allocate resources effectively, including equipment, internal training, etc. 

4. Sedation Training for Cosmetic Surgery Specialties

Typically, cosmetic surgery patients are well-informed about the procedure's nature and the surgeon's reputation. However, a successful cosmetic procedure involves a skilled plastic surgeon and a knowledgeable anesthesiologist. Some cosmetic surgery specialist is trained to deliver sedation within their scope of practice, and their training covers: 

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Local anesthesia techniques
• Allergy management and emergency response

Conclusion

Although sedation can be used in dentistry, surgery, or diagnostics, each use requires a different level of sedation training. Physicians, dental healthcare specialists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical directors, hospital administrators, and cosmetic surgery specialists all require specific levels and combinations of sedation training based on their functions and roles, including:

- the administration and monitoring of sedation according to sedation level and patient type; 

- the recognition of complications and management of them according to their severity;

- the development of interdisciplinary collaboration and resource management, etc.

Together, these features offer distinct advantages for providing safe and effective sedation. They allow training adapted to the specific requirements of each medical discipline and enable healthcare providers to take a more active and direct role in sedation management that better supports patient safety.

This is a guest blog entry.