Sentara decreases mortality rate for sepsis by 37%
12 Sentara hospitals see improvement in sepsis care with revised early detection and treatment guidelines
From 2021 to 2024, the mortality rate for sepsis in Sentara’s patient population fell by 36.7% as Sentara’s clinicians introduced new protocols to detect and treat this fast-moving condition.
Dr. Doug Browder, emergency department medical director at Sentara Leigh Hospital, said Sentara developed and refined sepsis care guidelines through evidence-based recommendations and the collaboration of physicians .
“As providers, we are presented with the unique challenge of effectively detecting and treating sepsis on the right patients at the right time,” said Dr. Browder.
“We have made improvements in the antibiotic ordering section, fluids order entry, recognition of labs already ordered, and more.”
Sentara is committed to following the international Surviving Sepsis Campaign’s early detection and treatment protocols. Sentara currently exceeds the Virginia state average of 60% compliance with these measures at all 12 Sentara hospitals.
Becoming septic is astonishingly common. Each year, at least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis. Over the course of an average week, between 400 and 600 Sentara patients will be diagnosed with sepsis.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. It’s the body’s extreme and potentially deadly response when an infection enters the bloodstream. Any type of infection can lead to sepsis, with the most common being urinary tract infections, abdominal and skin infections, and lung infections like pneumonia. Almost 40% of the population has neither heard of nor can identify sepsis.
Early detection and treatment are key for survival. When it comes to sepsis, the acronym TIME is a helpful tool. Is your Temperature higher or lower that normal? Do you have any signs or symptoms of Infection? Are you confused or sleepy, an indication of Mental decline? Do you have severe pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath making you feel Extremely ill? If you suspect sepsis, call 911 or go to the hospital and say, “I think I have sepsis.”
Risk factors for sepsis are far reaching. Both the very young and very old are at risk, and so are pregnant women, anyone with a weakened immune system, chronic condition, or open wound. Alcohol and drug abuse are contributing factors too, as are having an IV, catheter, tube or drain.
Every minute, more than 20 people die of sepsis worldwide. In the U.S., 270,000deaths occur annually.
Sepsis identification and prevention is important for everyone. Doing simple things like having good hand hygiene, keeping up with vaccinations and doctor’s appointments, and seeking treatment when infections are suspected make a difference. What you don’t know can hurt you. Know the signs of sepsis and tell a friend.
Dr. Doug Browder, emergency department medical director at Sentara Leigh Hospital, said Sentara developed and refined sepsis care guidelines through evidence-based recommendations and the collaboration of physicians .
“As providers, we are presented with the unique challenge of effectively detecting and treating sepsis on the right patients at the right time,” said Dr. Browder.
“We have made improvements in the antibiotic ordering section, fluids order entry, recognition of labs already ordered, and more.”
Sentara is committed to following the international Surviving Sepsis Campaign’s early detection and treatment protocols. Sentara currently exceeds the Virginia state average of 60% compliance with these measures at all 12 Sentara hospitals.
Becoming septic is astonishingly common. Each year, at least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis. Over the course of an average week, between 400 and 600 Sentara patients will be diagnosed with sepsis.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. It’s the body’s extreme and potentially deadly response when an infection enters the bloodstream. Any type of infection can lead to sepsis, with the most common being urinary tract infections, abdominal and skin infections, and lung infections like pneumonia. Almost 40% of the population has neither heard of nor can identify sepsis.
Early detection and treatment are key for survival. When it comes to sepsis, the acronym TIME is a helpful tool. Is your Temperature higher or lower that normal? Do you have any signs or symptoms of Infection? Are you confused or sleepy, an indication of Mental decline? Do you have severe pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath making you feel Extremely ill? If you suspect sepsis, call 911 or go to the hospital and say, “I think I have sepsis.”
Risk factors for sepsis are far reaching. Both the very young and very old are at risk, and so are pregnant women, anyone with a weakened immune system, chronic condition, or open wound. Alcohol and drug abuse are contributing factors too, as are having an IV, catheter, tube or drain.
Every minute, more than 20 people die of sepsis worldwide. In the U.S., 270,000deaths occur annually.
Sepsis identification and prevention is important for everyone. Doing simple things like having good hand hygiene, keeping up with vaccinations and doctor’s appointments, and seeking treatment when infections are suspected make a difference. What you don’t know can hurt you. Know the signs of sepsis and tell a friend.
By: Jennifer Lewis