A strategic guide for the development of a corporate sepsis program

Abstract

Background: Sepsis is a major health burden. Guidelines call for healthcare providers to establish sepsis care improvement programs to enhance patient care and outcome. A comprehensive sepsis program has been developed at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and implemented across its 13 facilities before embarking on a bigger journey. Methods: Senior leadership engagement and collaboration with pertinent departments are key to any initiative's success. A subject matter expert was appointed as Clinical Lead and Chair of the Program and held accountable to sponsors. Stakeholders were identified and invited to participate in the corporate steering group. Given that facilities may have differing challenges, patient population, or resources, a facility-level sepsis committee was established adopting a similar structure to the corporate committee. Each facility committee reviewed, implemented, and reported to the respective local quality and safety committee. Training, reporting and monitoring were undertaken at the local followed by the corporate level. Standardized sepsis pathways and guidelines were developed and implemented. Monitoring is crucial to ensure a program remains on track. This was attained using a corporate dashboard in which all cases of sepsis, irrespective of facility, time or age were reported and reviewed. Regular reports were sent to the Corporate Quality Improvement and Safety Committee. This, subsequently, is discussed at the Executive Management Committee. Findings: The implementation of a Corporate Sepsis Program was successful and extended to include other organisations (Sidra Medicine, Primary Health Care Corporation and the Qatar Red Crescent). An education subcommittee designed and delivered a nursing training program and e-learning as a collaboration between the Hamad International Training Centre (HITC), clinical and nursing informatics, and medical and nursing education. This resulted in timely and appropriate management. Conclusion: HMC Sepsis Program improved sepsis outcome in Qatar. A systematic approach, application of evidence-based practice, staff empowerment, senior leadership engagement, a clear structure of governance, quality assurance and reporting are critical elements of its success.