Abstract: Objective: To analyze the implementation of the minimal sedation strategy combined with early goal-oriented mobilization guided by the principle of eCASH in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Methods: Patients who were admitted to the ICU from January to December in 2019 in the study hospital and underwent mechanical ventilation were eligible for participating in the current study. A total of 56 patients were divided into two groups (one to one ratio, n=28 patients in each group): the intervention group and the control group. Patients in both groups were given analgesics and sedatives along with routine physical activities for ICU patients. Patients in the intervention group were treated with the minimal sedation strategy combined with an early goal-oriented mobilization nursing program following the principle of eCASH. The dosage of sedatives, comfort level among patients, incidence of delirium, muscle strength, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay and the one-time successful extubation rate were compared between the two groups. Results: The dosage of sedatives, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay among patients in the intervention group were significantly and statistically less than those in the control group (P<0.05). The comfort level in patients in the intervention group was significantly better than that in patients in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of delirium in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The one-time successful extubation rate and muscle strength in the intervention group were also significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: For patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the ICU, the implementation of the minimal sedation strategy combined with early goal-oriented mobilization following the principle of eCASH can reduce the dosage of sedatives and occurrence of delirium, shorten the length of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, improve patients' comfort level, the success rate of one-time extubation, and promote patient recovery.

Key words: eCASH principle; sedation strategy; early goal-oriented mobilization; mechanical ventilation