Sepsis Protocol.

 Sepsis is a condition which causes derangement in cardiovascular compartments, problems with inflammatory and hematological processes, which is due to an infection or injury resulting in severe morbidity or even mortality.

There is a “Surviving Sepsis Campaign” led by European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, international Sepsis Forum and Society of Critical Care Medicine. The goal is to decrease the mortality associated with sepsis syndrome.

We are taking an initiative to decrease the mortality associated with sepsis and I am part of this team to create a protocol for our hospital. Unfortunately sepsis has not been recognized as we have other conditions like cancer, strokes and cancers. It is imperative to identify this problem early  and manage properly.

These are some facts which everyone should know about sepsis.

-          Sepsis is the leading cause of death in non cardiac ICUs.

-          Severe sepsis causes more deaths than deaths due to colon, breast, prostate and pancreatic caner….. all combined.

-          Mortality due to sepsis almost matches that of a heart attack (Myocardial infarction).

There are several great treatment protocols based on Rivers ET AL study, which basically concludes that early goal directed therapy decrease mortality in septic patients.

We are in the process of creating a protocol based on this study which can suit our needs. However, I feel the problem is not finding the right protocol; the problem is correct and consistent implementation. You can have the greatest of protocols but it would be of no use if the implementation is based on unrealistic expectations or lack of resources.

In the next 15 days we will work on these issues

-          Creation of time line to work on these schedules.

-          Screening procedure to identify sepsis.

-          Procedure to create time zero.

-          Creating code sepsis protocol.

-          Creating a “one click” order for sepsis protocol.

-          Education for medical staff.

-          Evaluation of resources available to reach these goals.

Well it is a good start. Let’s see when we reach there.

Blog you later.

About the picture: During FCCS course.