Faster recognition and appropriate treatment of sepsis can save lives and prevent permanent disability such as limb loss and neurocognitive impairment.
Screening
Early recognition and escalation to a senior medical officer has been shown to improve sepsis outcomes. The pathways, available for use in emergency departments, guide clinicians to recognise risk factors, signs and symptoms which may indicate sepsis, and provide a structure to escalate concern.
Treatment
The recommended treatment for sepsis includes a bundle of evidence-based practices that, when reliably performed together, improves patient outcomes. Reduced mortality rates have been achieved through the implementation of a similar bundle of interventions in places such as the UK and New York State.
A sepsis treatment bundle is included in the adult and paediatric emergency department sepsis pathways.
In patients with confirmed sepsis, or those very likely to have sepsis, commence the treatment bundle immediately.
