Sedatives and Opioids Best Practices: An Approach to the Use of Technological Tools

Background: The formulation of opioid medications is becoming increasingly common among hospitalized patients, due to the need for pain control or sedation during procedures. This phenomenon represents the possibility of an increase in adverse events, as demonstrated by monitoring through the Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The importance of tools that unify information search and provide easy access for physicians is becoming more evident. Thus, it is essential to assess the medical needs for information when using technological tools that can support clinical practice. Objective: To characterize the main pharmacological and pharmaceutical needs of critical care physicians for the management of adult patients when administering sedative and/or opioid analgesic medications. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: A tertiary care setting in Bogotá and Chía, Colombia from October 1 through December 31, 2022. Methods: Surveys were collected through Google Forms. The surveys were directed to physicians from Clinica Universidad de La Sabana and Clínia Nueva de Bogotá. These physicians perform sedation and analgesia procedures on adult patients in critical care services, including emergency departments, hospitalization units, surgical rooms, and adult intensive care units. Results: Ninety-five percent of the respondents considered the use of technological tools necessary for support during their workday. Most respondents reported that these tools were helpful for information searches regarding dose adjustments of sedatives and opioid analgesics, especially in cases of renal disease, dose calculations for rotation, and titration of opioids. Limitations: Designed for academic purposes, the survey identified 4 key areas requiring improvement: pharmacological knowledge, patient safety monitoring, specialized administration techniques, and practical application of knowledge during the administration of medication. The survey was conducted under the constraints of time and resources, limiting the sample to 2 institutions based on accessibility and feasibility. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for the development of technological tools to support medical services in the safe use of sedative and opioid analgesic medications. The evaluation of specific pharmacological and pharmaceutical knowledge related to this group of medications is crucial.