Dissertation
Sepsis teams in the emergency department
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
Jun 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001981
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure and death. Prompt identification and treatment are critical to improve morbidity and mortality. Different approaches to identifying and treating sepsis in the emergency department (ED) have been developed. A literature review sought to answer the question: For adult patients with sepsis in the emergency department, does the use of multidisciplinary sepsis teams, compared to current practice, lead to more rapid and accurate identification of septic patients, within three hours of arrival to the emergency department? Research databases were searched to uncover the best available evidence, using keywords and medical sub-headings. Articles were included for adults in the emergency room, with a focus on sepsis teams, published from 2012-2022. Each was reviewed for quality, population, sample size, conflicts of interest, research design, and applicability. A multidisciplinary approach, coupled with screening instruments and standardized communication, provides efficient and timely sepsis care, and can reduce length of stay and mortality. Based on this evidence, a quality improvement project was designed. Using a Plan, Do, Study, Act methodology, a sepsis huddle, sepsis timer, and transfer of care reminder in the electronic medical record improved the care of septic patients in the ED. Two EDs in northern California changed staff communication and work processes, which improved time to patients receiving antibiotics, and improved team communication at transfer out of the ED. Results have implications for staffing levels, inclusion of additional team members, and future research on sepsis care in the ED.
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Details
- Title
- Sepsis teams in the emergency department
- Creators
- Catherine Kan - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Contributors
- Jennifer L. Cummings (DNP Chair) - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 44 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctoral Nursing; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021872713404721