Implementation of a Sepsis Code Protocol at an Academic Institution in Colombia: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Sepsis presents a significant global health challenge, marked by high morbidity and mortality, especially in resource-limited settings.
• Prompt, structured interventions are crucial for managing sepsis effectively and reducing death rates.
• The Sepsis Code protocol offers a framework for coordinated, timely patient care during septic emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Sepsis Code protocol on in-hospital mortality rates.
• To compare mortality outcomes between patients treated under the Sepsis Code and those under standard care.
• To identify factors influencing mortality risk in sepsis patients.

Main Methods:

• A pilot quasi-experimental study utilizing a historical cohort design.
• Involved patients diagnosed with sepsis in an emergency department setting.
• Statistical analyses included bivariate, multivariate, and survival analyses to assess intervention effectiveness.

Main Results:

• The Sepsis Code group exhibited a lower in-hospital mortality rate (13.4%) compared to the standard care group (22.5%, p=0.042).
• The intervention demonstrated a protective association with mortality (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29-0.94).
• Elevated lactate levels, higher SOFA scores, septic shock, and a history of diabetes were linked to increased mortality risk.

Conclusions:

• The Sepsis Code protocol implementation was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality, particularly for patients with septic shock.
• The study highlights the potential benefits of structured sepsis management protocols.
• Further research with robust methodologies is recommended to confirm findings and assess regional applicability.