Title : Tools to mitigate sepsis
Abstract:
Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The annual cost of sepsis in the United States is estimated at $24 billion which results in the loss of 270,000 lives annually. Sepsis can be challenging to diagnose. There is not a single diagnostic test that indicates the need for immediate treatment; rather clinicians must rely on subtle indicators such as changes in vital signs and mental status. Early detection and rapid treatment decrease costs, morbidity, and mortality. An integrative literature review consisted of 35 articles to evaluate sepsis recognition tools. Articles were selected from CINAHL, Medline Plus, SocIndex, Alternative Medicine & Health, Healthsource Nursing/Academic, and Scientific Periodicals. Peer-reviewed, English articles from the United States between the years 2018 - 2023 were included in the review. The themes identified in the review included standardization of a screening tool preferably embedded into the electronic health record, preestablished bundles of care orders, increased nurse education and awareness, and a team huddle approach. The literature suggests that there is no standardized approach to early sepsis detection. While sepsis is difficult to detect, there are several strategies that providers can use to assist in early detection. The use of a standardized tool to screen patients, a sepsis rapid response team, care bundles with pre-determined order sets, and increased front-line awareness about sepsis can impact patient outcomes. Electronic medical records are commonly used which makes interventions more convenient for staff to follow. Screening tools embedded within the electronic health record streamline patient care by standardization of practice and creation of a one-click system for providers to order the bundle care set. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends bundled care sets. In populations such as neonates, obstetrics, and pediatrics it is difficult to detect subtle changes that could indicate a decline in patient condition. Many electronic health records do not allow for an individualized systems-based approach to care, so front-line nurses must be aware of subtle changes that could indicate patient deterioration. Leaders and clinicians must use the available literature to implement practices that will impact the outcomes of patients with sepsis. Education for staff nurses raises awareness and empowers them with the knowledge and confidence to initiate a communication huddle with the care team. The care team is designed to determine and implement prompt and appropriate treatment that will decrease morbidity and mortality as well as decrease costs and length of stay.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The audience will understand sepsis incidence and interventions that include the use of standardized assessment tools and alerts in the electronic health record.
- The audience will learn common themes that impact sepsis detection and prompt treatment for sepsis which can be implemented in hospitals.
- Sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and while there is no national standard for detecting or diagnosing sepsis, sepsis must be on the forefront of healthcare providers minds.
