What should be included in a sedation checklist?

Including a review of the patient's current medications in a sedation checklist is essential for ensuring patient safety during sedation procedures. Knowing the medications a patient is currently taking allows the dental team to identify potential drug interactions, allergies, and other health risks associated with sedation management. This information is critical because certain medications can influence the effectiveness of sedatives or alter a patient's response to them, potentially leading to complications.

While graphical representations of sedation levels can be useful in monitoring sedation depth, they do not provide comprehensive safety information and cannot replace the detailed understanding of a patient’s medical history that medication review offers. Educational videos are valuable for informing patients, but they do not contribute to clinical safety or procedural protocol. Similarly, notes from previous dental appointments may provide some historical context, but they are less critical than understanding the current medication regimen affecting a patient's health status and response to sedation. Thus, the review of current medications stands out as a vital component of the sedation checklist to ensure effective and safe patient care.