Welcome to the Society for Pediatric Sedation (SPS) website! The SPS is the only society that specifically addresses issues involving pediatric sedation on an international and multispecialty basis. We are (first and foremost) interested in improving care for children who require sedation for medical/dental procedures or testing. We seek to address issues that exist in any care setting and involving any type of care provider - medical specialists, nurses etc.

As you explore our website and related information, you will find that the SPS seeks to improve practice in a multifaceted approach. We provide educational materials through our website in the form of papers, reviews of literature, and editorials that are regularly updated to address issues that are current in sedation. We host an annual meeting that contains both didactic educational lectures and fosters discussion through break out sessions on sedation related topics. We sponsor a listserve that allows lively discussion and information exchange with a large group of sedation practitioners.

The origin of the SPS grew out of the collected experience of a large number of sedation providers in the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium (PSRC). The PSRC is a large (data-sharing) quality improvement and research initiative involving pediatric sedation. The SPS continues to support the work of the PSRC. We seek to use the information gathered through the PSRC to form data-driven recommendations on training and privileging providers for sedation. The SPS will also seek to support other research initiatives that provide further insights into improving sedation practice for children.

All of the activities of the SPS take place in an atmosphere that is independent of any other professional society or organization. We do not have an interest in supporting or promoting the interestes of any specific pediatric specialty or provider group. We are collaborative group that will endeavor to evaluate evidence on pediatric sedation as it evolves and advocate for sedation care based on the best information and outcomes data that is available.

We welcome you interest in the society. We invite you to look through our materials - including our mission statement and bylaws, and consider joining and helping us promote the safe and effective sedation care of children.

Joseph Cravero MD
President - Society for Pediatric Sedation