Intensive Care Unit Liberation: Transforming Critical Care Through the ABCDEF Bundle.

Authors

Stephanie Gregory, Erika Ratliff

Published in

Critical care nursing clinics of North America. Volume 38. Issue 4. Pages 547-560. Epub Sep 09, 2026.

Abstract

This article highlights the shift from traditional intensive care unit practices, including deep sedation, immobility, and restricted visitation, to evidence-based, patient-centered care. These outdated methods, once considered protective, are now known to increase delirium, muscle weakness, cognitive decline, and health care costs. Implementing the ABCDEF bundle (eg, pain management, awakening and breathing trials, sedation choice, delirium management, early mobility, and family engagement) is a proven evidence-based framework that improves patient outcomes. Critical care nurses play a central role in driving bundle adherence. Successful implementation requires interdisciplinary teamwork, leadership support, education, and integration into practice standards.

PMID:
42933952
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 27 Oct 2026.

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