Date:
28 March 2024
Page URL:
https://ntk.eastamb.nhs.uk/news/care-bundles-improving-patient-outcomes.htm?pr=
The concept of care bundles was developed in 2001 by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), as part of an initiative to improve patient outcomes in intensive care units.
Put simply, a care bundle is:
“a small set of evidence-based interventions for a defined patient segment/population and care setting that, when implemented together, will result in significantly better outcomes than when implemented individually” (IHI, 2012).
At EEAST we have defined 10 care bundles that all staff should apply to specific patient groups and conditions. When attending such patients all assessments and tests should be completed unless there is a valid exemption. Such exemptions include the patient being unable to comply or the necessary equipment not being available. All test results, and any exemptions, must be documented on your patient care record.
The 10 care bundles that are currently in use are:
Care Bundle Condition |
Interventions/Tests/Examinations |
ST-elevation MI (STEMI) |
Aspirin administered |
Stroke |
Time of onset |
Asthma |
Respiratory rate recorded |
Below knee fracture |
Immobilisation of limb |
Sepsis |
Record suspected sepsis on patient care record |
Febrile convulsion |
Blood glucose recorded |
Pain relief |
If original pain score is above two, a second pain score should be recorded post analgesia administration |
Diabetes |
Blood glucose recorded pre- and post-treatment Treatment given for hypoglycaemia (where appropriate) |
Dementia |
Record use of dementia referral pathway |
Falls |
Record use of falls register |
Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure all elements of the care bundle are implemented into your care regime and documented. If there is any reason why any element cannot be applied, the exemption must also be recorded.
Published 23rd May 2015