Sepsis Power Hour: Saving Lives with a Multidisciplinary Approach

The hospital began working on its sepsis initiative in January 2014, after root cause analysis showed an opportunity for improving outcomes for septic patients. The project scope was to increase sepsis awareness, reduce patient harm and promote evidence-based practice. A multidisciplinary team of physicians and front-line staff began by developing a charter, a mission statement and goals. They analyzed retrospective chart reviews for baseline data which showed a lack of standardized practice and early recognition. The team reviewed evidence-based literature and used that to influence a culture change, resulting in significant improvements in clinical practices, reduced patient mortality and decreased costs.

Overall, bundle compliance increased with a decrease in mortality and cost reduction by patient encounter. This project's success has provided a vehicle to drive future projects within the organization.

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/