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Published on: August 30, 2018
Improving time to antibiotics and implementing the "Sepsis 6"
1NHS Lanarkshire, UK.
Insights
Implementing the "Sepsis 6" protocol within one hour significantly reduces patient mortality. A UK hospital
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Hospital Quality Improvement
- Infectious Disease Management
Background:
- Sepsis management requires timely intervention.
- The "Sepsis 6" protocol is a guideline for rapid sepsis care.
- Compliance with sepsis protocols impacts patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess adherence to the "Sepsis 6" and time to first antibiotic (TTFA) in a UK hospital.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a sepsis improvement plan.
- To reduce mortality associated with sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective audit of patient case notes for "septic patients" receiving intravenous antibiotics.
- Assessment of compliance with each "Sepsis 6" element and TTFA.
- Implementation of a sepsis improvement plan including education, multidisciplinary meetings, and a standardized proforma.
Main Results:
- The average time to first antibiotic (TTFA) decreased from 6 hours to 1.4 hours post-intervention.
- Enhanced compliance with most elements of the "Sepsis 6" was observed.
- Systematic process changes and education improved sepsis management.
Conclusions:
- An educational initiative and systematic process changes effectively reduced TTFA and improved "Sepsis 6" compliance.
- Continued assessment and process refinement are crucial for sustained improvement in sepsis care.
- Effective sepsis management protocols are vital for reducing patient mortality.
Abstract:
It has been shown that completion of the "Sepsis 6" within 1 hour reduces mortality (1). This project aims to assess compliance with this standard and evaluate the effectiveness of a sepsis improvement plan in a district general hospital in the UK. A baseline audit was performed, examining case notes of "septic patients" retrospectively (those on intravenous antibiotics). Compliance with each element of the sepsis six plus time to first antibiotic (TTFA) was assessed. A sepsis improvement plan was introduced consisting of staff education, reinforcing vigilance, regular multidisciplinary meetings and incorporating a standardised approach through the use of a sepsis proforma. Following the introduction of this, and after some refinement, the average time to antibiotic fell from 6 hours to 1.4 hours. In conclusion, an educational drive along with a systematic change in processes has seen reduced TTFA along with enhanced compliance with most elements of the sepsis 6. Through continued assessment and further improving upon systematic processes with continued education we would anticipate consistent improvement in the management of septic patients.
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