Emergency Department "Code Sepsis"

Sepsis is a medical condition with high rates of morbidity, mortality and cost and it is the most frequent diagnosis on the medical-surgical units at the hospital. Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines (Surviving Sepsis Campaign) and the hard work of many dedicated people, the hospital identified the opportunity to save lives and reduce suffering through early detection, compliance with current standards of care and determining the appropriate intensity of care.

The Emergency Department Code Sepsis Project focused on timely implementation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign three-hour bundle to reduce mortality and costs and ensure appropriate patient placement. The mortality rate baseline in calendar year (CY) 2013 was 24.1 percent, and the CY 2013 costs were $14,864.

This case study is part of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association's annual Quality Excellence Achievement Awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals and health systems in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These organizations are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim—improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction), improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita cost of health care—and the Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement—safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. To learn more, visit https://www.ihaqualityawards.org/javascript-ui/IHAQualityAward/