Severe sepsis and septic shock cause serious risk of morbidity and mortality, with risk of mortality increasing about 10% in patients with sepsis and more than 40% in patients with septic shock. In an effort to improve outcomes for patients with sepsis and/or septic shock, Oneida Health Hospital created a dedicated team to improve compliance with sepsis bundles and reduce sepsis-related mortality.
To address mortality rates and sepsis compliance, Oneida Health Hospital formed a sepsis core team that met every two weeks. The team reviewed current procedures and focused on specific process changes to drive improvements. Through this multidisciplinary approach, the team:
Through these changes, mortality dropped from 17.6% in 2018 to 15.3% in 2019, below the New York state rate of 22.9%. SEP-1 bundle compliance rose by 22% from 59.6% in 2018 to 72.7% in 2019, above the New York state benchmark. Additionally, clinical staff are now champions for early, comprehensive care for patients with sepsis.
For more information, contact Renee L. Pushlar, MSN-IPC, RN, manager, infection prevention and employee health, Oneida Health, at rpushlar@oneidahealthcare.org or 315.361.2907.