ICU patients take control of their sedation to fight anxiety

This study tested if letting critically ill patients on breathing machines control their own sedation medicine (using a button) works better than having nurses manage it. Researchers wanted to see if this self-management approach could reduce patient anxiety, shorten the time needed on the ventilator, and lower the chances of developing delirium (severe confusion). The trial involved 161 adult patients in intensive care who were receiving mechanical ventilation and sedation.