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Jul 2, 2008Article Details
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Improving the quality of care of the critically ill patients: Implementing the care bundle approach in the ICU
Abstract
The delivery of quality patient care remains a challenge in critical care services, especially where resources are stretched and the health care system fragmented. Integrating sound theory with clinical practice can benefit from the introduction of valid, reliable research findings at the bedside for the benefit of the critically ill patient and the critical care team. The care bundle approach provides a practical tool to implement evidence-based practice in critical care. Care bundles were originally developed in the USA as a health care improvement strategy, and are best described as groups of evidence-based practice interventions. The theory underpinning care bundles is that patient outcome improves when several evidence-based interventions are grouped together in a single protocol. The consistent implementation of evidence-based practice has been proven to improve outcome and reduce costs significantly. Several care bundles have been developed and tested. Not all are exclusive to critical care, but four that are specific to critical care are briefly described in this review as an introduction to the care bundle approach.
The search strategy included articles published in the medical and nursing critical care literature from 2001 to 2007, bar one or two older but relevant articles, using the key words care bundles, quality and evidence-based practice.
Southern African Journal of Critical Care Vol. 23 (2) 2007: pp. 55-60
