DescriptionPURPOSE
Sepsis is a time-dependent disorder, and early detection can lead to decreased mortality risk if diagnosed and treated early. The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a nurse-driven clinical pathway to improve the early recognition and treatment of sepsis in a senior healthcare facility .
METHODS
In September 2021, the project was implemented with a six-week pilot phase which included the education of staff nurses on the pathophysiology of sepsis and use of the clinical pathway. Evaluation of the program's effectiveness was done with an anonymous web-based survey administered at the end of the implementation phase. Outcomes were collected by prospective chart reviews to measure adherence, use of the sepsis screening tool, and any missed sepsis assessments during the six- week pilot phase.
RESULTS
There was a total of 46 charts reviewed during the implementation phase, of the 46 charts reviewed at the long-term care facility, 16 patients (34%) had a MEWs score >1, and 27 patients (58%) with a MEW score >2. There were three patients (23%) who scored a MEWs of 3, one of those three was actively being treated in the facility for sepsis and two of the three (4%) were transferred to a higher level of care. The results of the study revealed that by integrating the sepsis screening tool in long-term care, early detection, and prompt initiation of treatment for sepsis will be improved.
IMPLICATIONS
Implementing the sepsis clinical pathway may reduce healthcare cost by increasing early detection, aiding in sepsis diagnoses, and initiating evidence-based treatment of referral to a higher level of care before sepsis progresses. This project also demonstrated that long-term care facilities can efficiently use a sepsis screening tool to recognize suspected sepsis; therefore, patient care may be improved through early identification and treatment of sepsis before transfer to a higher level of care is needed.