ABCDEF Bundle: An Undiscovered Golden Approach for Acute Care Patients in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: The ABCDEF (Assess, prevent, and manage Pain, Both spontaneous awakening trials and spontaneous breathing trials, Choice of analgesia and sedation, Delirium: assess, prevent, and manage, Early mobility and Exercise, and Family engagement and empowerment) bundle is a path for optimal resource utilization. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge level and views of physicians working at the intensive care units (ICUs) in Turkey, a developing country, on the use of ABCDEF bundle.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to ICU physicians in Turkey, using Supplemental Digital Content 1, on June 20, 2018. The survey was terminated and deactivated on September 30, 2018.

Results: A multidisciplinary team oriented for compliance with the ABCDEF bundle was not found to be present in any of the responding ICUs in Turkey. Of 461 participants, 161 (35.1%) were knowledgeable about the bundle. The bundle could not be used due to lack of a team and shortage of trained personnel.

Conclusion: The rates of using scales proposed by the ABCDEF bundle were remarkably low although most participants acknowledged that the use of protocols and scales leads to decreased morbidity and mortality rates.