Collaborative working to drive evidence-based change in enhanced care: A qualitative service evaluation

Enhanced care units (ECU) are a relatively novel development, bridging the gap between ward level and critical (level 2/3) care. They provide more intensive medical and nursing care than is available in a ward environment, targeting patients who may not require, desire, or be appropriate for escalation to higher levels of care. The first guidance for ECU development was published in 2020, with comprehensive collaborative guidance published in 2022. We report on the first meeting of a collaborative working group of seven ECUs in north-west and central London aiming to drive effective, evidence-based change in enhanced care.