Date of Graduation
Winter 12-15-2017
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Abstract
Sepsis is a serious complication, which is initiated by the body’s extreme response to an infection. If sepsis is not identified and treated promptly, it can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. In order to reduce the number of patients who decline to sepsis in hospital, an efficient sepsis protocol needs to be implemented. Nursing practices, knowledge, and early recognition of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were assessed and measured in order to implement effective interventions. A root cause analysis was conducted to identify any discrepancies with compliance performing the sepsis screening in a timely manner, identify contributing factors in sepsis treatment delays, and ensure that the sepsis process map is reflective of the hospital policy.
The Clinical Nurse Leader students under the direction of the Sepsis Committee Director developed a Sepsis Screening Observation Checklist to observe the nurses on the unit to determine if in fact the sepsis screening was completed. A chart review audit was conducted by using a Sepsis Chart Screening Data form, which allowed students to review EMR charts of 100 patients in five different nursing units. The students also provided nurses with questionnaires to assess their knowledge on sepsis and about their sepsis hospital policy and protocol. Results demonstrated that vital signs are reported to nurses in a timely manner 50% of the time, the greatest contributor to delays in the treatment of sepsis are labs, and only 38% of nurses feel adequate educational resources regarding sepsis are provided to nurses. A nurse’s understanding and knowledge of sepsis is vital in identifying septic patterns and the necessary interventions a nurse needs to take in order to keep his/her patient safe.
Recommended Citation
Schurle, Monica, "Improving Early Sepsis Identification on Inpatient Units" (2017). Master's Projects and Capstones. 703.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/703
