Heartbeat: Sepsis is still our number one quality priority

August 4, 2020

The impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented as teams have had to constantly adapt to the ever-changing environment. While responding to the pandemic, clinical teams have also been ensuring we continue to reduce the number of avoidable deaths which includes keeping on top of our number one quality priority – sepsis.

Medical Director, Dr David Carruthers has been the driving force behind implementing our quality plan and he spoke to Heartbeat about how our organisation has been identifying and treating sepsis during the pandemic.

He said: “Screening has remained stable during the pandemic, so well done to the teams for that with so many changes occurring.

“Sepsis screenings are being done for 90 – 95 per cent of patients who require the screening to be undertaken. On average, there are about 700 patients who need screening each week of which one out of six are screen positive and require review for confirmation of sepsis and institution of the sepsis 6. Current data shows that 80 per cent of those who screen positive subsequently receive antibiotics. However, only 50 per cent get the antibiotic within an hour, so we are working with teams to ensure this improves.”

David explained that our target is 100 per cent screening compliance which is being achieved in some areas but not all.

“Colleagues need to recognise when a patient is deteriorating using a NEWS2 score of five or greater to undertake sepsis screening, but be alert prior to this stage of patients becoming increasingly unwell for early intervention.

“Team working between medical and nursing staff is key here to get clinical reviews undertaken when indicated. We are looking to spread the best practice of those wards that achieve near 100 per cent compliance with wards that need improvement. This would be for checks but also timely treatment compliance.

“We are continuing to work with those clinical areas that are not consistently at 100 per cent for screening and are asking each ward area to identify where changes will allow all components of the sepsis 6 to be undertaken within an hour, especially the administration of antibiotics. We know this is one of the key components of improving patient outcomes from sepsis.

“The overriding message to all colleagues is to take the time to follow the screening protocol. Caring for patients is key, but the only way we can ensure that all patients are being appropriately screened is by following the protocol to save lives.”

Colleagues who are unsure of the sepsis screening processes are encouraged to speak to their ward matrons or contact the deteriorating patients and resus team on ext. 5908.