Care Bundle Research Articles

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference Is a Strong Predictor of Mortality Among Ugandan Adults With HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Mortality among adults diagnosed with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis remains high (24%-40%). We hypothesized that nutritional state, as measured by mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), is a potentially modifiable risk factor for mortality. Ugandan adults hospitalized with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis had MUAC measurements performed at baseline. We compared MUAC measurements with baseline clinical and demographic variables and investigated associations with survival using Cox regression. Of 433 participants enrolled, 41% were female, the median CD4 T-cell count (interquartile range [IQR]) was 15 (6-41) cells/μL, and 37% were antiretroviral therapy naïve. The median MUAC (IQR) was 24 (22-26) cm, the median weight (IQR) was 53 (50-60) kg, and MUAC correlated with weight (Pearson r = 0.6; P < .001). Overall, 46% (200/433) died during the 18-week follow-up. Participants in the lowest MUAC quartile (≤22 cm) had the highest mortality: 39% (46/118) at 2 weeks and 62% (73/118) at 18 weeks. A baseline MUAC ≤22 cm was associated with an 82% increased risk of 18-week mortality as compared with participants with an MUAC >22 cm (unadjusted hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.36-2.42; P < .001). Following adjustment for antiretroviral therapy status, CD4 count, hemoglobin, amphotericin dose, and tuberculosis status, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.84 (95% CI, 1.27-2.65; P < .001). As a continuous variable, 18-week mortality was reduced by 10% for every 1-cm increase in MUAC. CSF Th17 immune responses were positively associated with MUAC quartile. MUAC measurement is a simple bedside tool that can identify adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis at high risk for mortality for whom an enhanced bundle of care, including nutritional supplementation, should be further investigated.

Biomarkers in pursuit of precision medicine for acute kidney injury: hard to get rid of customs.

Traditional acute kidney injury (AKI) classifications, which are centered around semi-anatomical lines, can no longer capture the complexity of AKI. By employing strategies to identify predictive and prognostic enrichment targets, experts could gain a deeper comprehension of AKI's pathophysiology, allowing for the development of treatment-specific targets and enhancing individualized care. Subphenotyping, which is enriched with AKI biomarkers, holds insights into distinct risk profiles and tailored treatment strategies that redefine AKI and contribute to improved clinical management. The utilization of biomarkers such as N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-2·insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7, kidney injury molecule-1, and liver fatty acid-binding protein garnered significant attention as a means to predict subclinical AKI. Novel biomarkers offer promise in predicting persistent AKI, with urinary motif chemokine ligand 14 displaying significant sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, they serve as predictive markers for weaning patients from acute dialysis and offer valuable insights into distinct AKI subgroups. The proposed management of AKI, which is encapsulated in a structured flowchart, bridges the gap between research and clinical practice. It streamlines the utilization of biomarkers and subphenotyping, promising a future in which AKI is swiftly identified and managed with unprecedented precision. Incorporating kidney biomarkers into strategies for early AKI detection and the initiation of AKI care bundles has proven to be more effective than using care bundles without these novel biomarkers. This comprehensive approach represents a significant stride toward precision medicine, enabling the identification of high-risk subphenotypes in patients with AKI.

Unveiling the enigma of acute kidney disease: predicting prognosis, exploring interventions, and embracing a multidisciplinary approach.

Acute kidney disease (AKD) is a critical transitional period between acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The incidence of AKD following acute kidney injury is approximately 33.6%, and it can occur without identifiable preceding acute kidney injury. The development of AKD is associated with increased risks of chronic kidney disease, dialysis, and mortality. Biomarkers and subphenotypes are promising tools to predict prognosis in AKD. The complex clinical situations in patients with AKD necessitate a comprehensive and structured approach, termed "KAMPS" (kidney function check, advocacy, medications, pressure, sick day protocols). We introduce "MAND-MASS," an acronym devised to summarize the reconciliation of medications during episodes of acute illness, as a critical component of the sick day protocols at AKD. A multidisciplinary team care, consisting of nephrologists, pharmacists, dietitians, health educators, and nurses, is an optimal model to achieve the care bundle in KAMPS. Although the evidence for patients with AKD is still lacking, several potential pharmacological agents may improve outcomes, including but not limited to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. In conclusion, accurate prognosis prediction and effective treatment for AKD are critical yet unmet clinical needs. Future studies are urgently needed to improve patient care in this complex and rapidly evolving field.

Care bundles for women during pregnancy, labour/birth, and postpartum: a scoping review

Background Care bundles, introduced in 2001, are described as a set of at least three evidence-based healthcare interventions delivered together in a clinical care episode by all healthcare providers. Although widely implemented in some healthcare areas, care bundle use in maternity care appears relatively recent. To identify the types of care bundles that have been developed, evaluated, or implemented for women during the perinatal period, we undertook a scoping review. Methods Joanna Briggs Institute methodological guidance for scoping reviews was used. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Maternity and Infant Care, and Epistemonikos were searched from January 2000 to October 2023. Records that reported on women during pregnancy and up to six-weeks postpartum as the intended or actual recipients of a care bundle, were included. The concept of interest was development, evaluation, or implementation of a care bundle. The context was maternity care provision, in any setting or geographical location. Results The search yielded 147 eligible records of which 69 originated in the USA. Most records were concerned with care bundle evaluation (n=74), and most were published in the last five-years (n=95). Eleven categories of clinical conditions were identified. These were surgical site infection, obstetric haemorrhage, perineal trauma, sepsis, stillbirth, hypertension, safe reduction of caesarean section, enhanced recovery after caesarean, placenta accrete, perinatal anxiety/depression, and ‘other’ which contained 21 records reporting on care bundles for one clinical condition. Few clinical conditions had good overlap of care bundle elements. Systematic reviews based on data from non-randomised studies may be feasible for some clinical conditions. Conclusions This scoping review provides comprehensive insight on care bundles in maternity care. Few studies were found that evaluated the effectiveness of these bundles, and many bundles for similar clinical conditions contained diverse elements. A more global approach to care bundle development, evaluation, and implementation in maternity care is recommended.

Impact of a bundle of care (intravenous iron, erythropoietin and transfusion metabolic adjustment) on post-operative transfusion incidence in cardiac surgery: a single-centre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group controlled pilot trial

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are frequent in patients after cardiac surgery. This study assessed whether a bundle of care including pre-operative and post-operative administration of erythropoietin (EPO) with intravenous iron supplementation, and restrictive transfusion adjusted for ScvO2 could result in reduced postoperative transfusions. In this single-centre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group controlled pilot study, patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with high risk of transfusion in a University Hospital were enrolled by the investigator and the randomisation procedure using a central internet-based system was made by the clinical research assistant. Since the trial was open-label, no masking was used. Patients were assigned (1:1) to either the STOP group (40,000 IU subcutaneous EPO combined with 20mg/kg intravenous ferric carboxymaltose if Hb<13g/dL the day before surgery or at ICU admission, and RBC transfusion if Hb≤8g/dL and ScvO2≤65%, or additional EPO dose if 8<Hb<13g/dL) or to the control group (RBC transfusion if Hb≤8g/dL, or, if 8<Hb<13g/dL, intravenous iron sucrose 200mg or 300mg according to weight). Primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative RBC transfusion up to hospital discharge or postoperative day 28. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04141631. Between Jan 20, 2020, and Sept 6, 2022, among 128 patients enrolled, 123 (male, 54.4%, 67/123) were included in the full analysis set: 62 in the STOP group and 61 in the control group. Nine patients (14.5%, 9/62) in the STOP group required RBC transfusion vs 19 (31.2%, 19/61) in the control group (odds ratio 0.37 [95% CI: 0.15-0.91], p=0.03). The median length of follow up to transfusion was 2.6 days (1.5; 4.6) and 3.3 (1.6; 4.2) in control and STOP groups respectively (p=0.61). The bundle of care may reduce postoperative RBC transfusion. The findings should be taken with caution due to the unblinded and exploratory nature of the study. University of Montpellier Hospital and Vifor Pharma.

Impact of care bundle audit on compliance to device care bundles and device associated infections in the Critical Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital, Southern India – A before-after interventional study

BackgroundA care bundle comprises a set of evidence-based practices in patient care that are grouped together with the assumption that these practices when performed together will result in better clinical outcomes than when these practices are performed separately. Care bundles for devices when implemented effectively can bring about a reduction in device associated infection rates. MethodsThe study was conducted in three phases, 1 month pre-interventional and interventional phases and 11 months of post-interventional phase in a critical care unit. Compliance to care bundles were recorded by direct observation during daily audit rounds. An educational intervention addressing the healthcare workers regarding bundle care approach was conducted and supplemented with bedside “audit and feedback” during the interventional phase. Audit was conducted in the post-interventional period to study the trend of device associated infections and compliance rates. ResultsAn increasing trend of month-wise compliance rates to the device care bundles were observed. The month-wise Ventilator Associated Events rates showed a decreasing trend. In the post-interventional phase, the average Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection, Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection and Ventilator Associated Events rates showed a reduction from their respective baseline rates for the study setting. ConclusionsAn educational intervention targeted at the healthcare workers along with daily audit of care bundle practices in the critical care setting led to an increase in the compliance to device care bundles and a reduction in the incidence of Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection, Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection and Ventilator Associated Events rates in the critical care setting.

Enhancing the Central Venous Catheterization Competency of Medical Students through a Specialized Team and an Interactive Response System: A pre-post study.

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a critical clinical procedure. To avoid complications, possessing good knowledge regarding the CVC care bundle and skills for the proper insertion and maintenance of CVC are important. To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention and the use of an interactive response system in enhancing the CVC bundle care and insertion skills of medical students undergoing critical care medicine training. Sixth-year medical students (equivalent to fourth-year students in the United States) engaged in didactic lessons, interactive demonstrations, and simulator training facilitated by a CVC team comprising three thoracic and two vascular surgeons (all with a minimum 5 years of experience in central venous access) during their intensive care unit (ICU) rotation. Self-reported knowledge and confidence levels were assessed using pre-and posttests administered through the Zuvio App, an interactive response system. A total of 60 students underwent the educational intervention, of which 54 completed the pretest and 40 completed the posttest. In the posttest, significant improvement was found in the CVC bundle care competency and understanding (P = 0.002), preprocedural preparation (P = 0.002), insertion procedures (P = 0.004), complications (P = 0.003), and insertion depth decisions (P = 0.001). Staff and students reported that assessment and interaction via the Zuvio App were valuable, practical, and feasible in a clinical setting, providing trainees with an individual competency portfolio of receiving precise medical education. Integrating the training provided by a specialized team with an interactive response system enhanced the knowledge and competency level in CVC insertion among medical students in this study.

Understanding early deaths after major emergency abdominal surgery: An observational study of 754 patients.

Major emergency abdominal surgery is associated with severe postoperative complications and high short- and long-term mortality. Despite recent advancements in standardizing multidisciplinary care bundles, a subgroup of patients continues to face a heightened risk of short-term mortality. This study aimed to identify and describe the high-risk surgical patients and risk factors for short-term postoperative mortality. In this study, we included all patients undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery over 2years and collected data on demographics, intraoperative variables, and short-term outcomes. The primary outcome measure was short-term mortality and secondary outcome measures were pre, intra, and postoperative risk factors for premature death. Multivariable binary regression analysis was performed to determine possible risk factors for short-term mortality. Short-term mortality within 14days of surgery in this cohort of 754 consecutive patients was 8%. Multivariable analysis identified various independent risk factors for short-term mortality throughout different phases of patient care. These factors included advanced age, preoperative history of myocardial infarction or ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease, and vascular bowel ischemia or perforation of the stomach or duodenum during the primary surgery. Patients at high risk of early mortality following major emergency abdominal surgery exhibited distinct perioperative risk factors. This study underscores the importance of clinicians identifying and managing these factors in high-risk patients to ensure optimal care.

Effect of care bundles based on importance degree analysis on postoperative comorbid state, coping style and disease management ability of patients with coronary heart disease.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a significant global health concern, particularly among the elderly. While care bundles present a comprehensive strategy for clinical disorders, their application in CHD rehabilitation remains understudied. This research addresses this gap by investigating the effectiveness of care bundles in CHD patients. By analyzing important performance degrees, we aim to contribute valuable insights to bridge existing knowledge deficiencies. Our study strives to establish a theoretical foundation for the broader implementation of care bundles, potentially improving the quality of care and patient outcomes in CHD rehabilitation. This is a retrospective study. 360 patients with CHD who were admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to October 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study and divided into the observation group (n = 180) and control group (n = 180) according to the different care that they received. All cases were given routine nursing after CHD operation, and the observation group was given care bundles on the basis of the analysis of important performance degrees. The perioperative indexes, self-management ability score, depression, anxiety, stress scale (DASS), coping styles, medical compliance and the incidence of complications were compared between the 2 groups. Aftercare, the time of hospitalization and getting out-of-bed in the observation group was notably shorter (P < .05). Aftercare, the scores of self-management ability and related dimensions in the observation group were notably higher (P < .05). After care, the score of depression (P < .001), anxiety (P = .003) and stress (P = .017) of the observation group were notably lower. Aftercare, the observation group face score was significantly higher than the control group (P = .005), while the observation group avoidance score (P = .028) and yield score (P < .001) were significantly lower than the control group scores. Aftercare, the compliance behavior of patients in the observation group was notably better (P = .013). Aftercare, the incidence of complications in the observation group was notably lower (P = .039). Care bundles based on the degree of importance analysis can play a positive role in postoperative comorbid state, coping styles and self-management ability of patients with CHD, which can improve the rehabilitation effects on patients.

One-Hour Bundle Protocols for Surgical Sepsis and Septic Shock in Surgical Intensive Care Unit: Clinical Outcome Aspects in the Thai Context.

Surgical sepsis is a syndrome occurring during the perioperative period with a high mortality rate. Since the one-hour bundle protocol was recommended to decrease sepsis-related morbidity and mortality in clinical practice, the protocol has been applied to surgical patients with sepsis and septic shock. However, clinical outcomes in these surgical patients remain unknown. Thus, this study aimed to compare survival outcomes in patients before and after the implementation of one-hour bundle care in clinical practice. In thisprospective cohort study, 401 surgical patients with sepsis were divided into two groups, with 195 patients undergoing the one-hour bundle from December 25, 2021, to March 31, 2024, and 206 patients undergoing usual care from January 1, 2018, to December 24, 2021, before the one-hour bundle protocol was implemented by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC). Demographic data, treatment processes, and clinical outcomes were recorded. After the one-hour bundle protocol was applied in surgical practice, the median survival time was significantly increased in surgical patients who underwent one-hour bundle care (95% confidence interval (CI): 12.32-19.68) (p= 0.016). Factors influencing the increase in the mortality rate were delays in fluid resuscitation of >2 hours, vasopressor initiation of >2 hours, and empirical antibiotics of >5 hours (p= 0.017, 0.028, and 0.008, respectively). One-hour bundle care for surgical patients with sepsis resulted in an increased median survival time. Delays in fluid resuscitation (>2 hours), vasopressor initiation (>2 hours), and empirical antibiotics (>5 hours) were factors associated with mortality.

Care Bundles to Improve Hemoperfusion Performance in Patients with Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Study.

Background/Objectives: Hemoperfusion (HP) is employed to modulate cytokine storms in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, requiring careful attention for success and safety. Therefore, we investigated whether our care bundles could enhance HP performance. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on adult patients (≥20 years old) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. In the first wave (Phase I), we identified HP-related issues and addressed them with care bundles in the second wave (Phase II). The care bundles included early temperature control, precise hemodynamic monitoring, and clot prevention measures for the HP membrane. The HP success rate and associated adverse events (AEs) were assessed between the two phases. Results: The study included 60 HP (HA330) sessions from 27 cases (Phase I: 21 sessions from 9 cases; Phase II: 39 sessions from 18 cases). Patient characteristics and treatments for COVID-19 were similar, except for baseline body temperature (BT) and heart rate (HR). Phase II showed a higher success rate (67% vs. 89%, p = 0.19), although it did not reach statistical significance. Phase I recorded a significantly higher frequency of AEs (3 [IQR 1, 4] events/case vs. 1 [IQR 0, 2] events/case, p = 0.014). After implementing the care bundles, hypothermia significantly decreased (78% vs. 33%, p = 0.037), with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.15; 95% CI 0.02-0.95, p = 0.044 for baseline BT. Conclusions: Further exploration with a larger sample size is required to establish the advantages of care bundles. However, the bundles' implementation has significantly improved hypothermia prevention.

Development and Validation of Eyes Care Bundle for Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Lack of proper eye care (EC) for mechanically ventilated patients can lead to serious ocular complications. Objective of this study is to develop and validate eyes care bundle for mechanically ventilated patients. A Delphi design study was conducted between March and May 2021. The Content Validity Index (CVI) was used to calculate the degree of agreement among the experts to analyze the bundle. Content validity was determined by 5 experts using a 4-point Likert scale. They evaluated the items in terms of the following: 1 = “irrelevant,” 2 = “somewhat relevant if the phrasing is profoundly adjusted,” 3 = “relevant with some adjustment,” and 4 = “very relevant.” The CVI was applied, and the accepted value was ≥0.50. The validation of EC bundle was conducted through 3 rounds after developed it based on the evaluated research evidence. The items were reviewed for content and face validity. The bundle was validated with 5 items with a total CVI of 0.96, a face validity of 1, and a Scale-Level Content Validity Index/Universal Agreement calculation method value of 0.8. This bundle can help critical care nurses, doctors, academics, and students assess and provide standard EC for mechanically ventilated patients.

Sepsis phenotypes, subphenotypes, and endotypes: are they ready for bedside care?

Sepsis remains a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, and despite decades of research, no effective therapies have emerged. The lack of progress in sepsis outcomes is related in part to the significant heterogeneity of sepsis populations. This review seeks to highlight recent literature regarding sepsis phenotypes and the potential for further research and therapeutic intervention. Numerous recent studies have elucidated various phenotypes, subphenotypes, and endotypes in sepsis. Clinical parameters including vital sign trajectories and microbial factors, biomarker investigation, and genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies have illustrated numerous differences in sepsis populations with implications for prediction, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of sepsis. Sepsis therapies including care bundles, fluid resuscitation, and source control procedures may be better guided by validated phenotypes than universal application. Novel biomarkers may improve upon the sensitivity and specificity of existing markers and identify complications and sequelae of sepsis. Multiomics have demonstrated significant differences in sepsis populations, most notably expanding our understanding of immunosuppressed sepsis phenotypes. Despite progress, these findings may be limited by modest reproducibility and logistical barriers to clinical implementation. Further studies may translate recent findings into bedside care.

Reducing extrauterine growth restriction in very preterm neonates: A before-after intervention study.

Focus on preterm nutrition strategies is imperative. Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is a clinically relevant, but seemingly elusive consequence, often used to benchmark and compare outcomes. This before-after observational study was designed to study the effect of a multipronged updated "nutrition care bundle" in very preterm infants on rate of EUGR compared with a cohort from a previous period. Eligible participants were neonates born at <32 weeks' gestation who completed care in the unit; a retrospective group from a previous period and a prospective cohort after implementation of the bundle were included. The bundle constituted of three key areas: (1) aggressive parenteral nutrition with high-dose amino acids and lipids from day 1, (2) "rapid-escalation" enteral feed regimens including earlier introduction of human milk fortifier (at 40-ml/kg/day feeds), and (3) colostrum mouth paint and structured oromotor stimulation to promote oral feeding. EUGR was defined as a z score difference of >-1 in weight for postmenstrual age (PMA) at discharge and at birth. Data of 116 infants were retrieved for the retrospective group; 103 infants were included in the prospective group. EUGR was reduced from 71% to 58% (P = 0.039) after implementation of the bundle. Infants in the prospective group achieved full oral feeds at earlier PMA (P < 0.001) and were discharged at earlier PMA (P = 0.002). The proportion of neonates with EUGR was reduced significantly after implementation of the revised nutrition care bundle. Achievement of full oral feeds and discharge readiness were earlier in the prospective group.

Care bundles to reduce surgical site infections and promote positive outcomes

All surgical patients are at risk of surgical site infections which can cause serious wound healing complications. To improve patient care and promote good patient outcomes, veterinary nurses must be aware of the pathophysiology and clinical signs of surgical site infections, in addition to how to reduce the risks of surgical site infections in clinical practice. There are many evidence-based techniques that can be implemented to reduce the risk of surgical site infections; multiple techniques may be combined into a care bundle, a relatively novel concept in veterinary medicine. Individual practices should be aware of emerging techniques and implement care bundles that are most relevant to their surgical case load. This article discusses surgical site infections and considers the appropriateness and application of care bundles into veterinary practice through governance techniques.

Pressure ulcers: aSSKINg framework study.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) represent a burden to the health economy and patients alike. Despite national and international guidelines regarding the management of risk, the incidence and prevalence across England remains high. Detecting early the risk of PUs is paramount, and requires using a valid risk assessment tool alongside clinical judgement and management of associated risk factors. There is a need to implement prevention strategies. Introducing care bundles for pressure ulcers, for example SKIN, SSKIN and most recently aSSKINg, is designed to guide clinicians and reduce variations in care. This article presents a review of the evidence on compliance with guidelines, frameworks, pathways or care bundles within primary and secondary care settings. This article focuses on the literature review that was conducted to inform a subsequent clinical audit of compliance with the aSSKINg framework in a Community NHS Foundation Trust in the South East of England.

Effect of Implementing The Protective Nursing Care Bundle of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia on Its Incidence among Critically Ill Children

Effect of Implementing The Protective Nursing Care Bundle of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia on Its Incidence among Critically Ill Children

An Investigation Into the Acceptability of the SAFER-YMH Care Bundle for Transitions Out of CAMHS Crisis and Liaison Services

An Investigation Into the Acceptability of the SAFER-YMH Care Bundle for Transitions Out of CAMHS Crisis and Liaison Services

A randomised trial comparing preoperative administration of single-dose kefazolin to kefazolin plus metronidazole as prophylactic antibiotics at caesarean section.

Caesarean section is a life-saving procedure which is associated with high rates of maternal and neonatal complications. It has been estimated that globally, 29.7 million births occur by caesarean section annually. The risk of postpartum infection is estimated to be five to ten times higher compared with normal vaginal delivery. Pregnancy-related sepsis was listed as a top-six cause of maternal mortality in the South African Saving Mothers report between 2017 and 2019. Multiple trials have been conducted in an attempt to optimise administration of prophylactic antibiotics in an effort to reduce postpartum infection and maternal sepsis, and current practice guidelines suggest that there is sufficient evidence that extended-spectrum antibiotics, in combination with kefazolin, result in reduction of postpartum infections. To investigate the effect of perioperative administration of kefazolin alone compared with kefazolin plus metronidazole on postpartum infection in women undergoing caesarean section at Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa. All patients undergoing emergency or elective caesarean section were randomised and then sequentially numbered in opaque sealed envelopes, which were placed in the caesarean section operating theatre. The intervention group received kefazolin and a sealed envelope with metronidazole. The control group received kefazolin and a sealed envelope with normal saline. A total of 57/1 010 patients (5.64%) had surgical site infections, of which 27 (5.33%) were in the control group, and 30 (5.96%) were in the intervention group (p=0.66). Two patients in each arm (0.40% in the intervention arm and 0.39% in the control arm) underwent laparotomy procedures, while three women (0.60%) in the intervention arm and four women (0.79%) in the control arm underwent hysterectomy procedures. There were no statistically significant differences in all the measured secondary outcomes between the two groups. The overall sepsis rate in this study was 5.64%. Postpartum infection is multifactorial and there are multiple factors that can be addressed in strengthening the sepsis care bundle. We do not recommend the addition of metronidazole to kefazolin as prophylaxis at caesarean section.

Effects of implementation of a care bundle on rates of necrotising enterocolitis and own mother’s milk feeding in the East Midlands: protocol for a mixed methods impact and process evaluation study

IntroductionPrevention of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is vital for improving neonatal outcomes. Feeding own mother’s milk helps prevent NEC. Rates of own mother’s milk feeding in the East Midlands are lower...