Abstract
Problem: Early identification and timely management of sepsis in the emergency department (ED) is critical to reducing morbidity and mortality. Delays in sepsis recognition and antibiotic administration can worsen outcomes. This project aimed to address these challenges. Intervention: A triage sepsis screening (TSS) tool was implemented over 30-days to improve sepsis identification at triage. Staff education related to knowledge and confidence of sepsis was also provided. Measures: The impact of a TSS tool was evaluated using pre- and post-intervention data on antibiotic timing. Staff knowledge was measured with a 4-item multiple-choice quiz, and confidence with a 5-item Likert scale, adapted from a validated instrument. Results: Of the 41 TSS tools completed, none corresponded with confirmed sepsis cases, limiting outcome analysis. No statistically significant findings were found in overall knowledge scores pre- (M = 3.36, SD = 1.05, n = 15) to post- (M = 3.50, SD = 0.58, n = 3), t(2) = 4.30, p = .83 or in overall confidence scores, pre- (M = 17.20, SD = 1.93, n = 15) to post-intervention (M = 17.67, SD = 2.08, n = 3), t(1) = 13, p = .79. However, a significant improvement was observed on the knowledge item regarding antibiotic administration timing, from pre-survey (M = 0.73, SD = 0.46) to post-survey (M = 1.00, SD = 0.00), t(14) = 2.14, p = .04. Conclusion: While the results of this study were not statistically significant, findings highlight the importance of context, infrastructure, and sustained engagement. Future efforts should focus on longer implementation periods, strengthening staff participation, and incorporate data collection directly into clinical workflow to improve the evaluation of sepsis screening tools.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
DNP Capstone Project
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Clinical Practice Guideline(s)
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
Sepsis, Early Identification, Emergency Department
Second Advisor
Christina Vejnovich
Third Advisor
Chelsea Craig
Degree
DNP
Degree Grantor
Nebraska Methodist College
Degree Year
2025
Recommended Citation
Lott, Adriana and Vejnovich, Christina, "Improving the Timing to Antibiotic Administration in Patients that Present to the Emergency Department with Sepsis" (2025). Group: Nebraska Methodist College. 97.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/group_nmc/97
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
None: Degree-based Submission
Acquisition
Self-submission
Full Text of Presentation
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