Abstract
Background Sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, poses a critical medical risk when left untreated.1 Originating from infections in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract, sepsis triggers a systemic chain reaction in the body, leading swiftly to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death. In January 2018, our facility identified 98 sepsis cases with no associated deaths.
Methods Enhancing sepsis management involves multifaceted strategies. Chief among these is staff training to heighten awareness and comprehension. Implementing a standardized sepsis order set aims to improve adherence to protocols. Timely intravenous antibiotic administration within a one-hour window is prioritized. Monthly monitoring ensures compliance with all bundle elements to maintain quality standards.
Results From January 2018 to December 2022, Al Wakra Hospital witnessed notable trends in sepsis management and compliance metrics. figure 1 illustrates the fluctuation in the number of deaths attributed to sepsis during this period, showcasing the impact of our interventions. Meanwhile, figure 2 provides insights into the hospital’s staff adherence to the sepsis order set, highlighting our efforts to standardize protocols for optimized care delivery. Additionally, figure 2 also demonstrates the hospital’s performance in administering intravenous antibiotics within the crucial one-hour window, a vital aspect of sepsis treatment. In addition, it presents the percentage compliance with the comprehensive Sepsis Six Bundle Components, reflecting our commitment to maintaining quality standards in sepsis management. By 2022, the number of sepsis cases decreased to 39, with no sepsis-related deaths.
Conclusion Al Wakra Hospital’s success in sepsis management can be attributed to the unwavering commitment and collaboration of hospital leaders and the multidisciplinary team. Despite challenges, such as staff shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, our dedication to patient care remained steadfast. The impact of COVID-19 on compliance is evident, underscoring the importance of adaptability in maintaining high standards of care.2 3
Number of deaths due to sepsis in Al Wakra hospital between 2018 and 2022
Outcome measures from Al Wakra hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 in relation to: a- compliance to sepsis order sets; b- compliance to antibiotic administration within 1 hour; c- compliance to sepsis 6 bundle implementation
References
Labib A. Sepsis care pathway. 2019. Qatar Med J 2019(1):4. DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2019.qccc.4
Centres for disease control and prevention. centres for disease control and prevention [Internet]. centres for disease control and prevention. U.S. department of health & human services 2022. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/
Improving Health and Health Care Worldwide IHI - Institute for Healthcare Improvement [Internet]. www.ihi.org. Available from: https://www.ihi.org
Ethical Approval/IRB Statement This project was authorized by the Al Wakra Sepsis Committee at Al Wakra Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar.
Disclosures and Acknowledgments The improvement team would first like to thank the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute (HHQI) for their support and guidance throughout the collaborative. More importantly, the team wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to all the Al Wakra Hospital frontline staff (physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals) who were involved in the success of the initiative and ensured that patient safety remains the top priority.
