Clinical decision support tools useful for identifying sepsis risk

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate the effectiveness of the clinical decision support tools (CDSTs), POC Advisor (POCA), and Modified Early Warning System (MEWS) in identifying sepsis risk and influencing time to treatment for inpatients, comparing their respective alert mechanisms. Methods: This study was conducted at two academic university medical center hospitals. Data from adult inpatients in medical-surgical and telemetry units were analyzed from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. Criteria included sepsis-related ICD-10 codes, antibiotic administration, and ordered sepsis labs. Subsequent statistical analyses utilized Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, focusing on mortality differences by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Results: Among 744 patients, 143 sepsis events were identified, with 83% already receiving treatment upon CDST alert. Group 1 (POCA alert) showed reduced response time compared with MEWS, while Group 3 (MEWS) experienced longer time to treatment. Group 4 included sepsis events missed by both systems. Mortality differences were not significant among the groups. Conclusion: While CDSTs play a role, nursing assessment and clinical judgment are crucial. This study recognized the potential for alarm fatigue due to a high number of CDST-driven alerts, while emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach for prompt sepsis treatment and potential reduction in sepsis-related mortality.