Abstract
Sepsis is the leading cause of mortality in hospitalized patients and is associated with sentinel events. A review of the literature revealed that providing extensive education, use of Rapid Response Teams (RRT's) to respond to sepsis, as well the use of standardized protocols for treatment were beneficial in early recognition and intervention, of deteriorating patient conditions and improving overall patient outcomes. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate whether providing education to beside nurses on critical vital signs and sepsis would increase staff knowledge of when to initiate RRT's over a 30-day period. The setting was a 423-bed non-profit acute care facility in the Midwest that serves the metropolitan area. Participants were bedside nurses within the facility. Education was provided on National Early Warning Scores (NEWS), sepsis, critical vital signs, early intervention, the rapid response nurse (RRN), and RRT role. Pre and post surveys were given to evaluate if education had any bearing on results. Data was collected for 30 days prior to intervention and 30 days after intervention. The number of RRT's called, arrests that occurred outside of the ICU, and any unplanned transfers to ICU were compared. The data revealed that after intervention was implemented the number of RRT's increased and the unplanned transfers to ICU decreased. Suggesting a relationship between staff education and early identification and intervention with RRT's. Limitations included staff participation and unit construction that displaced ICU patients to other areas of the hospital. Additionally, it was not certain if patients had NEWS or sepsis alerts prior to initiation of an RRT. More research is needed to better understand the impact of alerts on identifying deteriorating patient conditions and use of RRT's.
Sigma Membership
Theta Tau
Lead Author Affiliation
Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Type
DNP Capstone Project
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quality Improvement
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
Critical Vital Signs, Sepsis, Rapid Response Nurses, Early Identification and Intervention
Advisor
Kinney, Meg
Degree
DNP
Degree Grantor
Nebraska Methodist College
Degree Year
2023
Recommended Citation
Bryant, Danielle, "Providing education to bedside nurses on critical vital signs and sepsis to aid in early identification and intervention with rapid response teams" (2024). Group: Nebraska Methodist College. 30.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/group_nmc/30
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission
Acquisition
Self-submission
Full Text of Presentation
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