Improving Early Sepsis Identification on Inpatient Units

Sepsis is a medical emergency resulting from an infection. Its systemic effects can quickly lead to death if it is left untreated. The condition is extremely costly in regard to human life and national healthcare costs. In an effort to combat rising rates of sepsis effective protocols must be implemented into hospitals. Assessments were performed to ascertain the level of nursing knowledge regarding sepsis criteria, treatment, and hospital protocol. A microsystem assessment was performed using the Five Ps Assessment Tool, which addresses purpose, patients, professionals, processes, and patterns. A root cause analysis (RCA) helped identify factors affecting adherence to the hospital’s sepsis protocol. Nurses were observed to determine whether sepsis screenings were being performed in a timely manner. A chart review of 100 patients’ sepsis screening was utilized to further assess electronic nurse documentation. Lastly Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) students administered a nursing sepsis survey to establish nurses’ baseline theory and operational knowledge of early sepsis identification and hospital protocol specifics. The results showed the majority of nurses knew the correct definition and criteria for sepsis and were performing sepsis screenings on time. Two out of six positive sepsis screening were followed with the initiation of the sepsis bundle as indicated per hospital protocol. There was a clear knowledge deficit regarding protocol following a positive sepsis screening. It is essential that nurses have a strong understanding of early sepsis identification and treatment in order to improve patient outcomes