Background: Nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2 50%/50%) is an effective and safe technique for procedural sedation in paediatric settings; however, the knowledge, use and perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding N2O/O2 remain limited. Aim: To investigate the knowledge, use and perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding N2O/O2 in maternal-infant and emergency units. Study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted (March to December 2024) using (i) a sociodemographic information tool and (ii) a 16-item questionnaire assessing knowledge, clinical use, perceived barriers and willingness to adopt N2O/O2. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Of 113 respondents, 40.7% reported currently using N2O/O2 in their clinical units, while 91.0% of non-users expressed willingness to adopt it. Barriers included lack of equipment (92.9%) and training (84.1%). 91.1% considered N2O/O2 ethically acceptable, consistent with principles of beneficence, non-maleficence and child comfort. Employment in emergency units and holding a three-year nursing degree were significant predictors of N2O/O2 use. Conclusions: Limited Use of N2O/O2 in Italian Paediatrics Contrasts With Strong Professional Interest. Improving Training and Resources Could Enhance Access to Safe Paediatric Sedation. Relevance to clinical practice: Training, equipment and guidelines are needed to translate willingness into real clinical practice, improving the safety and consistency of paediatric sedation.
Understanding Nurses' and Physicians' Knowledge, Use and Perspectives on Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Use in Paediatrics: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Simonetti, Valentina;Gullo, Beatrice;Cicolini, Giancarlo;
2026-01-01
Abstract
Background: Nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O/O2 50%/50%) is an effective and safe technique for procedural sedation in paediatric settings; however, the knowledge, use and perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding N2O/O2 remain limited. Aim: To investigate the knowledge, use and perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding N2O/O2 in maternal-infant and emergency units. Study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted (March to December 2024) using (i) a sociodemographic information tool and (ii) a 16-item questionnaire assessing knowledge, clinical use, perceived barriers and willingness to adopt N2O/O2. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Of 113 respondents, 40.7% reported currently using N2O/O2 in their clinical units, while 91.0% of non-users expressed willingness to adopt it. Barriers included lack of equipment (92.9%) and training (84.1%). 91.1% considered N2O/O2 ethically acceptable, consistent with principles of beneficence, non-maleficence and child comfort. Employment in emergency units and holding a three-year nursing degree were significant predictors of N2O/O2 use. Conclusions: Limited Use of N2O/O2 in Italian Paediatrics Contrasts With Strong Professional Interest. Improving Training and Resources Could Enhance Access to Safe Paediatric Sedation. Relevance to clinical practice: Training, equipment and guidelines are needed to translate willingness into real clinical practice, improving the safety and consistency of paediatric sedation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
