Pain management mini-series part III. Procedural sedation for the non-anesthesia provider.

Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed outside of the operating room can necessitate the administration of sedation by non-anesthesia trained personnel. Risks associated with procedural sedation can be decreased through proper patient evaluation and selection. Understanding sedative pharmacology, dosing and delivery, monitoring and airway rescue techniques are essential to safely provide sedation. Supervision of sedation policies should occur via a carefully constructed sedation policy and ongoing sedation committee evaluation and review to ensure adequate patient care.