The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Collaboratory is advancing critical care medicine through the innovative BEST-ICU trial, which examines novel approaches to implement evidence-based care bundles in intensive care units. The study, supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), focuses on leveraging behavioral economics principles to enhance the adoption of the ABCDEF bundle, a comprehensive team-based care protocol for critically ill patients.
Novel Implementation Strategies
The BEST-ICU (Behavioral Economic and Staffing Strategies To Increase Adoption of the ABCDEF Bundle in the Intensive Care Unit) trial is evaluating two distinct strategies rooted in behavioral economics theory and implementation science. These approaches aim to overcome common barriers to bundle adoption, potentially transforming how evidence-based practices are implemented in intensive care settings.
Expert Leadership and Collaboration
The trial is led by prominent researchers in critical care medicine. Dr. Michele Balas, the Dorothy Hodges Olson Distinguished Professor of Nursing and associate dean of research at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, brings extensive expertise in critical care nursing and implementation science. Dr. Ed Vasilevskis, professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, contributes valuable clinical research experience in ICU care quality improvement.
ABCDEF Bundle: A Team-Based Approach
The ABCDEF bundle represents a multicomponent, evidence-based intervention designed to improve collaborative care in the ICU. This comprehensive approach integrates various aspects of critical care management, requiring coordinated efforts from multiple healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes.
Trial Implementation and Healthcare System Impact
The study spans multiple healthcare systems, offering insights into bundle implementation across diverse clinical settings. This broad approach allows researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral economic strategies in different institutional contexts, potentially identifying key factors for successful adoption of evidence-based practices.
Upcoming Protocol Presentation
The research team will present detailed insights into the trial's protocol, implementation challenges, and major updates during the PCT Grand Rounds scheduled for February 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern time. This presentation will provide healthcare professionals with valuable insights into innovative approaches for improving critical care delivery.
