ABCDEF Bundle

The ABCDEF Bundle elements individually and collectively can help reduce delirium, improve pain management and reduce long-term consequences for adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

ZOOM OUT to evaluate the entirety of the patient's clinical status.

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ZOOM IN on each element of the bundle as the multiprofessional team sets daily goals for the patient and reassesses these goals throughout the day based on the patient's evolving status. Find resources and tools for each ABCDEF Bundle element below.

Assess, Prevent, and Manage Pain
Understand pain and find tools for its assessment, treatment and prevention.

Both SAT and SBT
Both Spontaneous Awakening Trials and Spontaneous Breathing Trials

Choice of analgesia and Sedation
Understand the importance of defining the depth of sedation choosing the right medication.

Delirium: Assess, Prevent and Manage
Understand delirium risk factors and find tools for its assessment, treatment and prevention.

Early Mobility and exercise
ICU early mobility involves more than changing the patient's position.

Family Engagement and Empowerment
Involving the family in patient care can help recovery.

The ICU Liberation initiative encourages widespread use of the ABCDEF Bundle. Use of the material for teaching or noncommercial purposes is allowed however, there is a requirement to ensure that the Society of Critical Care Medicine including ICU Liberation branding is given the appropriate acknowledgment. Please be sure to include the following attribution language in your materials:

Commercial entities or those planning functions with registrations fees, must contact iculiberation@sccm.org to request permission to reuse any part of the ABCDEF bundle.