Sepsis is a medical emergency. At least 1.5 million people each year in America get sepsis, and more than 250,000 people die as a result. Very young children, older adults, people with chronic disease and/or immunocompromised are at greatest risk; however, sepsis can afflict anyone and any source of infection can progress to Sepsis. Delayed recognition and treatment increases patients' risk of death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched Get Ahead of Sepsis, an educational initiative, to protect Americans from the devastating effects of sepsis. This initiative emphasizes the importance of early recognition and timely treatment of sepsis, as well as the importance of preventing infections that could lead to sepsis. Visit Get Ahead of Sepsis to learn more about sepsis and resources for patients and clinicians such as infographics, factsheets, and brochures. Digital and social media graphics are also found on the Get Ahead of Sepsis website. Remember to use the hashtag #GetAheadofSepsis in all social media messages related to sepsis and Sepsis Awareness Month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JvGiAFLels (Four Ways to Get Ahead of Sepsis CDC PSA)
UI Health is also taking steps to improve sepsis outcomes. UIH has implemented EHR alerts, job aids, guidelines, and order sets. Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) scripts are coming soon. UI Health clinicians play an essential role in combating sepsis.
Clinicians can get ahead of sepsis following these steps:
Prevent Infections: Proper hand hygiene and adherence to infection control policies and practices are crucial.
Think Sepsis: Know the signs and symptoms of sepsis.
Act Fast: Initiate the 3-hour bundle and follow through with the 6-hour bundle. Antibiotics should be started within the first hour of recognition, as soon as lactate and cultures are drawn.
Reassess your patients and your management plan frequently.
Document your clinical reasoning, especially in response to every SIRS and Sepsis alert.
Educate patients and their families about sepsis so they can recognize symptoms.
Early recognition and timely treatment can help all of us #GetAheadofSepsis and save lives.
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