MODELLING AND CONTROL OF THE AGITATION-SEDATION CYCLE

摘要

Agitation-sedation cycling in critically ill patients, characterised by oscillations between states of agitation and over-sedation, is damaging to patient health and increases length of stay and healthcare cost. The mathematical model presented captures the essential dynamics of the agitation-sedation system for the first time, and is validated by accurately simulating known patient response. Simulations using heavy derivative control highlight the potential of automated systems to reduce the magnitude, duration, and severity of agitation-sedation cycling, without significant increases in required drug dose.