A "bundle" is a group of interventions related to a disease process that, when executed together, result in better outcomes than when implemented individually.

Examples of bundles include:

• Ventilator Bundle: The Ventilator Bundle is a series of interventions related to ventilator care that, when implemented together, will achieve significantly better outcomes than when implemented individually.

• Central Line Bundle: The Central Line Bundle is a series of interventions that helps to decrease the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections.

• Severe Sepsis Bundles: The Severe Sepsis Bundles have been designed to allow teams to follow the timing, sequence, and goals of the individual elements of care, in order to achieve the goal of a 25 percent reduction in mortality from severe sepsis

A Rapid Response Team  — known by some as the Medical Emergency Team — is a team of clinicians who bring critical care expertise to the patient bedside (or wherever it is needed).  The Rapid Response Team is not intended to take the place of immediate consultation with the physician if needed. After consultation with the Rapid Response Team, a call is placed to the appropriate physician. The intention is to help patients in the time window of clinical instability and not to replace physician involvement in that process. Rapid Response Teams can help reduce hospital codes outside the ICU and decrease mortality.

Learn more about Establishing a Rapid Response Team