613 The Use of an Online Sepsis Screening Tool to Improve the Initial Management of Sepsis

Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of the project was to improve the adherence to sepsis management guidelines in Trauma and Orthopaedic patients through the use of an online Sepsis Screening Tool (SST). This was created to increase recognition of the early signs of sepsis to guide time critical interventions thus improving patient care. Method A retrospective audit of adult Trauma and Orthopaedic inpatients with a NEWS2 score of over 5, or 3 in one parameter, or a new suspected infection within a seven-day period was conducted in July 2020, March 2021 and August 2021 for each audit cycle respectively. We then assessed whether the SST and time critical interventions had been completed. Results After the initial audit in July 2020 showed the use of the SST and achievement of time critical interventions was poor, we introduced several interventions including information posters, and sepsis teaching for junior doctors. Further interventions were implemented after repeat audit cycles, including the incorporation of the SST within daily nursing safety huddles. By August 2021 the use of the SST had increased from 10% to 54%. This was associated with improved adherence to the sepsis management guidelines including correct observation frequency and medical review within 1 hour. Communication of a sepsis diagnosis to patients and family members also improved. Conclusions The completion of the SST increased adherence to sepsis management guidelines in our patients. We therefore recommend the use of Sepsis Screening Tools to identify patients at risk of sepsis and to improve their initial management.