The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
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Aust N Z J Psychiatry · Apr 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialIntravenous sedation of involuntary psychiatric patients in New South Wales.
Intravenous sedation of involuntary psychiatric patients is practised in almost all hospitals in New South Wales. Despite its widespread use, little has been published about the medications used or their safety and efficacy. The present study reports the frequency and reasons for intravenous sedation, the medications used, and the incidence of adverse effects. ⋯ About one in four involuntary psychiatric patients receive intravenous sedation in NSW. Intravenous sedation is more likely when patients are admitted through accident and emergency departments to teaching or metropolitan hospitals, and pose a threat of violence. Intravenous sedation was shown to be a safe procedure given certain precautions.