Sepsis Criteria

looking at mortality rates in patients seeking emergency care conclude that the rate of death is substantially higher during times of crowding (Richardson, 2006, p. 213).

A visit to the emergency department (ED) is usually associated with negative thoughts by most people. It creates preconceived images of overcrowded waiting rooms and routine long waits for treatment (Jarousse, 2011). From 1996 to 2006, ED visits increased annually from 90.3 million to 119.2 million (32% increase). During this same time period, the number of EDs has declined by 186 facilities creating the age old lower supply and greater demand concept (Crane & Noon, 2011). There are many contributing factors that have led to an increase in ED visits. A few of these key drivers include lack of primary care access, rising of the uninsured population, dwindling mental health services, and the growing elderly

The study revealed several issues in this department. Voluntary emergency patients have to wait extended periods of time before being transferred to the appropriate department. The majority of those who have to wait are those seeking mental health assistance. Keeping people in the emergency department longer than necessary cause operational costs skyrocket, and worse, keeps the needs of patients from properly being met.

Burney, M., Underwood, J., McEvoy, S., Nelson, G., Dzierba, A., Kauari, V., & Chong, D. (2012). Early detection and treatment of severe sepsis in the emergency department: identifying barriers to implementation of a protocol-based approach. Journal Of Emergency Nur

Aiken, L.H., Clarke, S.P., Sloane, D.M., Lake, E.T. & Cheney, T. (2008). Effects of hospital care

It has become best practice for clinicians and others in the health care sector to make decisions on the best available scientific evidence given the increasing demands for evidence-based approaches across the health system. A Clinical question that forms the basis of research, gives directions to the researcher, and details the answers and outcomes gleaned from the clinically relevant question. The process or format that helps to explore formalizing a research question is called PICOT. The PICOT mnemonic is defined as:

Sepsis is a life-threatening and potentially fatal condition caused by the body’s reaction to an infection. Sepsis occurs when chemicals normally released in the bloodstream to fight infection trigger inflammation throughout the body. This can result in damage to multiple organs, which can cause organ damage and, in some cases, death.

The progress of my project to develop a nurse driven sepsis screening tool and an algorithm for implementation on the intensive care unit (ICU) for early identification and prompt treatment of septic patients has progressed remarkably well. I have been productive in gathering current guidelines for sepsis with the aid of my preceptor who is a critical care nurse practitioner on the ICU. With his help, I have been able to assemble key pieces of research to create a sepsis screening tool, and a treatment algorithm with sepsis resuscitation bundles. Extensive research has been conducted to integrate evidence-based practice in my project. I have also spent time with the unit educator, critical care intensivists, and my colleagues in brainstorming and collecting ideas about my project.

The set of diagnostic procedures and the necessary treatment within this bundle is based on the EBP suggested guidelines. By following the recommended guidelines, I can assure the improvement of quality of care by providing my patient with the best current practice. According to the randomized study over a 12-month period conducted in the Emergency Departments (ED) in New Wales, Australia the introduction of sepsis guidelines in ED improved the early assessment and management of septic patients including reduction in time to antibiotic administration by 230 minutes and the improved urgent triage time by 49.1 % (Romero, Fry, & Roche, 2017).

A PICOT question is formulated in order to assist the researcher in obtaining answers to a specific question, decreases the uncertainty surrounding the issue, and provides a systematic approach to achieve an answer (Melnyk, & Fineout-Overhold, 2013). The authors find that each component of the PICOT question drives the next step of the evidence based practice process. First, a specific population must be determined by controlling the group to a certain age range or special sub-group. By compiling a specific group the clinician is more likely to formulate better evidence to support the issue. Next, an intervention is introduced and can be a therapy, test, disease process, etc. The authors conclude that, “the more specifically the intervention or issue of interest is defined, the more focused the search will be” (p.29). Then, a comparison group is added, but only necessary if completing a quantitative study. Lastly, an outcome is determined of which the study will reveal by a given time period.

When Rebecca asks why the PICOT question is so important, Carlos explains that it's a consistent, systematic way to identify the components of a clinical issue. Using the PICOT format to structure the clinical question helps to clarify these components, which will guide the search for the evidence.6, 7 A well-built PICOT question increases the likelihood that the best evidence to inform practice will be found quickly and efficiently.5-8

et al., 2008). Sepsis is a frequent cause of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) and it

The Coalition for Sepsis Survival (C4SS) is a 501(c)(3) organization created to raise awareness among both the general public and healthcare providers and to facilitate the reduction of sepsis mortality and morbidity in the United States. The terms "coalition" and "survival" were purposefully selected to represent the core values of our vision and mission. "Coalition" underscores our philosophy to bring together hospitals, healthcare providers, and other organizations into a coordinated partnership committed to reducing the mortality and morbidity of sepsis for achieving the best outcomes and value for patient care. "Survival" represents our commitment to hospitals and clinicians to provide access to the tools and financial support for increasing a patient 's chance of survival and the best quality of life.

Tang N, Stein J, Hsia RY et al: Trends and characteristics and US emergency department visits, 1997 – 2007.  JAMA 2010; 304: 664-670

Sepsis is a debilitating, potentially life threatening condition that has become a big burden on the health system worldwide. Early recognition and aggressive timely treatment have proven to be life saving interventions. South Miami Hospital (SMH) aims to provide safe care to our community by implementing and utilizing evidence –based guidelines and protocols. According to research, early identification of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of sepsis is crucial to patients’ survival. In order to achieve this goal SMH Emergency Department (ED) implemented a triage sepsis-screening tool, an intervention that as evidenced by research helps to recognize patients at risk for developing sepsis or presenting with this devastating disease.