Affiliations

Sherman Hospital

Presentation Notes

Evidence Based Practice poster presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.

Abstract

Background:

Pediatric emergencies have been found to be challenging for emergency professional teams. Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality in children in the US with 1.2 million pediatric patients are diagnosed with sepsis annually.

PICO statement: Nurses and patient care technicians in the Emergency Department caring for a pediatric patient aged 5 years or younger presenting with symptoms of sepsis will have improved outcomes when comparing current practice after a skill-based program that will improve knowledge, skill, and confidence of Nurses and Patient Care.

AIM: Focus of the initiative:

  • Improved outcomes for included pediatric sepsis positive screened patients
  • Improved length of stay in Emergency Department and time to transfer to an acute pediatric facility
  • Confidence and knowledge improved from Nurses and PCTs caring for this population

Implementation Plan:

This evidence-based practice project was a prospective pre-post design with surveys of nurses and techs before and after an enhanced skills-based education program to foster confidence in, knowledge of and adherence to current practice in the Emergency Department. Chart audits were assessed for any time delays with treatment related to included patients presenting with possible sepsis. To meet these objectives, a hands-on skills day including an educational simulation experience was provided.

Outcomes:

It is a law in Illinois that all Emergency Departments must screen for sepsis and complete a huddle when there is a concern of sepsis. This study showed a nine percent improvement in screening compliance, 15% improvement in sepsis huddle compliance, 10.5% improvement accuracy in screening.

Patient care technician confidence improved by 10%, knowledgeable care improved by 10%, and skill improved by 90% which correlates with the literature with improvement in critical thinking, decision making skills, and self-confidence through simulation experience.

Implications for Practice:

The improved knowledge, skill, and confidence regarding caring for pediatric patients suspected of having sepsis translated into reduced length of stay in the ED and improved sepsis compliance overall.

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

11-15-2023


 

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Nov 15th, 12:00 AM

Keep calm and screen for sepsis

Background:

Pediatric emergencies have been found to be challenging for emergency professional teams. Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality in children in the US with 1.2 million pediatric patients are diagnosed with sepsis annually.

PICO statement: Nurses and patient care technicians in the Emergency Department caring for a pediatric patient aged 5 years or younger presenting with symptoms of sepsis will have improved outcomes when comparing current practice after a skill-based program that will improve knowledge, skill, and confidence of Nurses and Patient Care.

AIM: Focus of the initiative:

  • Improved outcomes for included pediatric sepsis positive screened patients
  • Improved length of stay in Emergency Department and time to transfer to an acute pediatric facility
  • Confidence and knowledge improved from Nurses and PCTs caring for this population

Implementation Plan:

This evidence-based practice project was a prospective pre-post design with surveys of nurses and techs before and after an enhanced skills-based education program to foster confidence in, knowledge of and adherence to current practice in the Emergency Department. Chart audits were assessed for any time delays with treatment related to included patients presenting with possible sepsis. To meet these objectives, a hands-on skills day including an educational simulation experience was provided.

Outcomes:

It is a law in Illinois that all Emergency Departments must screen for sepsis and complete a huddle when there is a concern of sepsis. This study showed a nine percent improvement in screening compliance, 15% improvement in sepsis huddle compliance, 10.5% improvement accuracy in screening.

Patient care technician confidence improved by 10%, knowledgeable care improved by 10%, and skill improved by 90% which correlates with the literature with improvement in critical thinking, decision making skills, and self-confidence through simulation experience.

Implications for Practice:

The improved knowledge, skill, and confidence regarding caring for pediatric patients suspected of having sepsis translated into reduced length of stay in the ED and improved sepsis compliance overall.

 

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