ICOUGH Bundle for Reduction of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Among Cardiac Surgery Patients

Background: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery patients, resulting in prolonged hospital stays and increased health care expenses. The current study aimed to lower the incidence of PPCs through implementing the ICOUGH bundle for cardiac surgery patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was used to conduct the current study. Ninety-eight cardiac surgery patients who were admitted to the cardiothoracic surgery department at the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Center in Egypt during the study period and were subjected to cardiac surgery were recruited in this study. Patients were assigned to a bundle group (n = 49) who received the ICOUGH bundle and a control group (n = 49) who received the standard unit care. Results: A significantly lower incidence of PPCs (hypoxia, atelectasis, and pneumonia) was observed in the bundle group ( P < .001). Conclusions: The ICOUGH bundle can lower the incidence of hypoxia, atelectasis, and pneumonia among patients undergoing heart surgery. Therefore, it can be incorporated into daily nursing care for these patients.