Navigating Sepsis: A New Hospital's Journey

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Sepsis is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with 270,000 mortalities annually; therefore, prompt recognition coupled with early treatment can save lives. Better compliance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, SEP-1 bundle improves patient safety and save lives. New hospitals are challenged with establishing and promoting a culture of patient safety with prompt recognition of Sepsis. Our hospital opened in June 2017, as a part of a larger health system. Our first SEP-1 scores were 54.17 %. System superior goals for 2017-2018 were greater than 73% and 77.9% respectively. Could our hospital reach the superior goal and promote a culture of patient safety simultaneously? <h3>Methods</h3> The Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology was used for effectiveness. Interdisciplinary multi-modal methods were implemented such as: case fall out analysis, clinical education, a bundled Sepsis Order Set, real time outcomes communication, committee participation and formation of an Interdisciplinary Work Team. <h3>Results</h3> Quarter 3 2017 SEP-1 compliance was 54.17%. Promoting the bundled Sepsis Order Set increased compliance to 76.92% by Quarter 1 2018. Case fall out analysis with real time opportunities communicated to physicians coupled with clinical education with badge buddies increased compliance to 83.33% by Quarter 3 2018. Formation of the Sepsis Work Team and committee participation saw compliance increase to 87.10% in Quarter 4 2018. Continued promotion of Sepsis awareness and patient safety upsurged compliance to 89% in Quarter 2 2019 and 100% in Quarter 3 2019. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Our new hospital met and surpassed the system goal of 73% for 2017-2018, and 77.9% for 2019. Our multi-modal methods incorporating patient safety, sepsis awareness, and education are effective. The use of the Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology guided us to hard wire our culture of patient safety and reduce Sepsis mortalities.