Study Comparing Pain-First Sedation vs. Standard Sedation for Trauma Patients on Mechanical Ventilation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the best sedation and pain management approach for trauma patients needing mechanical ventilation. The study compares continuous sedative and pain medication infusions with an analgesia-first strategy, where sedatives are reserved for brief use as needed. Although sedation protocols have improved outcomes in medical ICU patients, it remains unclear which method is better for surgical trauma patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either analgesia-first sedation using intermittent fentanyl doses with sedatives added only if necessary, or protocol-directed sedation with continuous infusions of analgesics and sedatives interrupted daily. Both groups will be managed with approved ICU protocols, with daily assessments for ventilator weaning. During the study, participants will be monitored for days on mechanical ventilation until successful extubation, as well as duration of weaning. Researchers will track ICU and hospital length of stay, sedation levels, pain control, and safety outcomes. The total participation time includes at least 28 days of outcome measurement, with regular assessments to guide sedation and ventilation management.

Analgesia-First Sedation in Trauma Patients