What best describes a safety bundle in healthcare?

A safety bundle in healthcare is best described as a straightforward set of evidence-based practices designed to improve patient outcomes and safety. This approach is typically implemented as a package of interventions that collectively enhance the quality of care and minimize the likelihood of adverse events. The concept of safety bundles emphasizes that by adhering to a specific set of proven practices, healthcare providers can achieve better results than they might through isolated individual practices.

For instance, in the context of reducing surgical site infections, a safety bundle might include steps such as proper hand hygiene, application of appropriate antibiotics, temperature management, and maintaining glycemic control. These collective actions create a higher level of safety than focusing on any single action alone.

The other descriptions do not adequately capture the essence of a safety bundle. Patient-reported outcomes involve data directly from patients about their health, which does not inherently relate to the systematic implementation of practices. Isolated practices fail to recognize the importance of combining multiple interventions to enhance safety. Comprehensive surgical protocols, while important, suggest a more extensive and detailed set of guidelines rather than the succinctness and focus found in a safety bundle.