Sile O Connor
University Hospital Kerry, Ireland
Title: Can local education initiatives and better access to sepsis treatment recommendations improve knowledge and build resilience in the emergency department?
Biography
Biography: Sile O Connor
Abstract
Background: Sepsis is a time dependent medical emergency with a fatal outcome in almost 30% of instances within the Irish healthcare setting. Evidence from the UK has shown the Sepsis 6 Care Bundle can reduce sepsis mortality to 20%. Each hour of delay in antimicrobial administration reduces survival. In 2014, the Irish Department of Health & Children published its first sepsis guidelines. Implementation of these can improve outcomes for patients attending the Emergency Department (ED) at University Hospital Kerry (UHK). However, in 2010 the UK Surviving Sepsis Campaign reported compliance rates of only 31%. This study explored the impact of education and the implementation of standardized sepsis treatment pathways on the knowledge and confidence of ED staff at UHK.
Aims: This study aimed to improve quality of care by ensuring ED staff are aware of and can access sepsis treatment recommendations and guidelines. Additionally, it aimed to improve staff resilience by a supporting them in recognizing sepsis, standardizing sepsis treatment pathways and improving the communication of treatment recommendations.
Method: The study investigated baseline awareness of sepsis among ED staff, with a follow up exploration of their attitudes and awareness after an education intervention was performed. A final structured survey was undertaken after standardized treatment pathways, visual aids, prescribing prompts and antimicrobial recommendations were made available and additional education had been provided.
Results: The study reported improved sepsis awareness and knowledge of sepsis care elements among ED staff (from 47% to 94%), better compliance with local sepsis treatment recommendations (from 46% to 60%) and increased self-reported confidence in identifying and managing sepsis (from 39% to 70%) over the course of this intervention.
Conclusion: This work suggests that local, in-house, multi-departmental initiatives can improve quality care in the treatment of sepsis and strengthen staff resilience in the ED setting.