What's New | August 01, 2012

Sepsis Management

Sepsis is a common complication of infection that often leads to lengthy hospitalizations and a high risk of death. Early diagnosis of sepsis and prompt treatment with antibiotics can reduce mortality and support improved outcomes.

The featured Innovations describe two programs in California and Delaware that achieved significant reductions in sepsis mortality by supporting timely identification and treatment of patients with the condition.

The featured QualityTools describe two toolkits designed to improve clinical management and reduce mortality in patients with sepsis.

Featured Innovations:

• Nine-Hospital Collaborative Uses Patient Screening Criteria, Fast-Track Diagnosis, and Treatment Protocols to Reduce Sepsis Mortality by More Than 50 Percent

• Sepsis Alert Program Leads to More Timely Diagnosis and Treatment, Reducing Morbidity, Mortality, and Length of Stay

Featured QualityTools:

• Severe Sepsis Practice Alert and Tools
Developed by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

Featured Articles:

• Sustaining and Spreading Quality Improvement: A Conversation With Julie Kliger, MPA, BSN, Director, Integrated Nurse Leadership Program, University of California San Francisco

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Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• Community Partnerships and Provider Training Increase Service Capacity and Access to Long-Term Treatment for Individuals With Heroin Addiction

• Electronic Hand Hygiene Monitoring System Significantly Reduces Health Care–Associated Infections

• Family Violence Prevention Program Significantly Improves Ability to Identify and Facilitate Treatment for Patients Affected by Domestic Violence

QualityTools >

• 2011 State Snapshots
Developed by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

• Natural Disaster Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and Podcasts
Developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Food and Drug Administration (U.S.); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (U.S.)

• txt4health
Developed by American Diabetes Association; Voxiva, Inc