Implementation of the 1-Hour Sepsis Bundle and Evaluation of Staff Adherence: An Evidence-based Practice Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

the SSC developed the 1-hour sepsis bundle because the 3-hour window was associated with a significant increase in in-hospital mortality [3]. The bundle calls for lactate measures, blood cultures, antibiotics, if appropriate fluid resuscitation and vasopressors within 1-hour of sepsis recognition [3]. In 2015, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid implemented its core bundle measure for Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle linking reimbursement to a hospitals' ability to complete the SSC bundle interventions within 3 hours of sepsis recognition [4]. To help meet this quality measure, hospitals may benefit from initiatives aimed at improving the process of sepsis care and bundle completion within the 1 to 3-hour window. Meeting the SSC's 1-hour implementation goal can be challenging. Historically, nurses have been responsible for initiating a sepsis protocol [5]. There are tools to facilitate timely initiation of bundle interventions [6]. The emergency room nurse sepsis screening tool significantly improved the time to bundle completion in patient's diagnoses with severe sepsis and septic shock [7]. The nurse initiated emergency department sepsis protocol significantly reduced time to