SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-The Code Sepsis

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The document describes a hospital initiative to improve inpatient sepsis response through a “Code Sepsis” program. In 2022, the Code Sepsis team was rebuilt and a new documentation flowsheet was created to capture real-time interventions and add them to the patient’s medical record. The team includes a Rapid Response RN, APP/physician on call, phlebotomist, nursing operations manager, and pharmacist.<br /><br />The project focused on rapid identification of sepsis and faster treatment. Key strategies included staff education on SIRS criteria, sepsis resources on the nursing intranet, monthly training, and teaching APPs. A sepsis order set and standardized sepsis care pathway were implemented to support consistent management. Timing was emphasized, especially giving antibiotics within one hour and coordinating phlebotomy to obtain cultures quickly.<br /><br />The Code Sepsis process begins when there is a change in patient condition or a sepsis BPA alert. The team then determines whether sepsis is present, documents findings, obtains blood cultures and lactate, administers antibiotics and fluids, transfers the patient if needed, and signs out to the primary attending. The process also includes selecting STAT antibiotics based on likely source, ordering the appropriate labs, and calculating fluid volumes.<br /><br />Review and debrief of each Code Sepsis call were also part of the improvement effort. The number of Code Sepsis calls increased from 105 in 2021 to 222 in 2022, suggesting improved recognition and escalation. Overall, the initiative aimed to standardize care, improve documentation, speed treatment, and strengthen sepsis response outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Wilhemina Koomson

Meta Tag

Author List Laura Lance, Michelle Schill, Tanveer Singh, Wilhemina Koomson

Category Innovations

Concept Code Sepsis

Concept Antibiotics

Concept Sepsis Response Team

Concept Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Concept Intravenous Fluids

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine

Presenting Author Wilhemina Koomson

Track Quality Improvement

Keywords

Code Sepsis

sepsis response

inpatient sepsis

rapid response

sepsis documentation

antibiotic timing

blood cultures

lactate testing

standardized care pathway

sepsis order set

Code Sepsis

Antibiotics

Sepsis Response Team

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Intravenous Fluids