The most recent survey from the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) indicates notable progress in the implementation of sepsis programs across US hospitals. Data reveals that as of 2023, 78% of hospitals maintain active sepsis committees, a solid rise from 73% in 2022. Additionally, 59% of hospitals have secured dedicated time for sepsis program leaders, a modest increase from 55% the previous year. Antibiotic Stewardship Programs have also gained traction within sepsis committees, expanding their presence to 66%, comprising an additional 629 hospitals.
These shifts have been closely observed by Raymund Dantes, MD, MPH, Medical Advisor – NHSN, CDC, who explains: “From January to March 2024, we queried over 5,000 US hospitals about their sepsis program practices for all of 2023. Therefore, this data encapsulates practices both prior to and subsequent to the launch of our Sepsis Core Elements in late August of 2023.”
Sepsis is a potentially lethal response to an infection, often resulting in extensive inflammation, tissue damage, organ failure, and at worst, death. The CDC has estimated that each year, sepsis impacts at least 1.7 million Americans, with approximately 350,000 adult patients developing sepsis within the hospital and subsequently dying or transitioning to hospice care.
Despite evident improvements, Dantes underlines a number of ongoing challenges associated with the effective implementation of Sepsis Core Elements. Essential areas for growth include executive support, enhanced assessment of local hospital sepsis tools’ usability, strategies to aid in sepsis recovery, further education for certified nursing assistants and patient care technicians, prompt delivery of antimicrobials, and access to vital sepsis data.
The CDC’s Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements play a crucial role in enabling hospitals to structure their sepsis programs efficiently. This strategic guidebook aids in staff organization, resource identification, and the swift recognition and treatment of sepsis, ultimately working towards better patient outcomes.
Future NHSN surveys will continue to monitor the adoption of Sepsis Core Elements, tracking strengths and weaknesses of hospital sepsis programs to shape upcoming initiatives in response to identified areas of need. Particularly, the CDC’s survey observed variance in sepsis committee presence between hospitals of different sizes, with smaller hospitals showing a lower prevalence of such committees. This emphasizes the necessity for improved sepsis care across all hospital sizes, suggesting a focus on dedicated time for sepsis program leaders, medical specialist involvement, and the integration of antimicrobial stewardship.
Lastly, Dantes highlights the CDC’s continued efforts to prevent infections causing sepsis and improve healthcare quality and patient safety through awareness and education. The CDC’s Get Ahead of Sepsis campaign works, particularly during September’s Sepsis Awareness Month, to disseminate these important messages.