The Effectiveness of Automatic Electronic Medical Record-generated SEPSIS Screening Tool

Evidence-Based Practice Proposal Final Paper-Sepsis
Name
Making the Case for Evidence-Based Practice
University
Date
Abstract
The project evaluates the effectiveness of automatic electronic medical record-generated Sepsis screening tool to identify sepsis patients when compared to the traditional Sepsis assessment tool. When we were provided with the Sample Organizational Culture Survey, I had the opportunity to interview thirty-five Nurses and Techs over three different shifts and there is open communication in the organization. This is relevant to assessing how the proposed solution can be implemented in the workplace. There was organizational readiness for change, support for teamwork and mutual respect among members. This makes it easier to implement patient centered care and integrating EBP in the workplace. The automatic electronic medical record-generated sepsis screening tool was proposed as a better option for identifying patients with sepsis effectively. Sepsis infection is still a problem in hospitals, where using EP and prevention guidelines have reduced infection rates, but better screening and assessment would further improve health outcomes. The literature highlights that the automatic sepsis screening tools help identify patients with sepsis more accurately and time. The sepsis screening tool is also useful for sepsis alert, which helps reduces health care costs and optimize outcomes as there is timely intervention. The Transtheoretical Model Stages of Change Model) highlights that move through the precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance stages of change and at times termination where there is no desire to maintain unhealthy behaviors. The respondents participated willingly in the project and signed an informed consent form before the project was carried out. Subsequently, to assess the effectiveness of sepsis interventions there was training and sensitization on using the sepsis screening tool. Data was then collected to determine whether the intervention was effective by comparing the patient outcomes. This was taken into consideration to improve patient safety and outcomes where the automatic electronic medical record-generated sepsis screening tool is useful to identify early sepsis. As the screening tools helps in the detection of sepsis, management of the infection then sought to integrate the best evidence to improve health outcomes.




1 Section A: Organizational Culture and Readiness Assessment
Our organization supports a culture that incorporates a spirit of inquiry. The EBP facilitates and sustains a questioning spirit for physicians (Malloch & O’Grady, 2016). As a class we were provided with the Sample Organizational Culture Survey. I had the opportunity to survey thirty-five Nurses and Techs over three different shifts. My main priority for the survey was to understand how people felt about our organizational culture. The research proved my assumptions right. I have always felt that my organization was very welcoming and open. Based on the survey I could see that that people notice the efforts of teamwork and team cohesion, enhanced clinician-patient ration and customer care, each of these components had high marks.
We have an open-door policy with the nurses in charge as well as with the administrative staff. But I can also see EBP being put to practice on a daily basis within our organization. Applying EBP and ensuring that the nurses and Techs that are hired are aware of it and know how essential EBP is to our organization. Value encompasses efficiency, and this has been realized through ensuring proper ratio between nurses and patients (Melnyk & Overholt, 2015). Every organization has its pragmatic areas, but it is safe to safe that the organization I work for provides an environment that is welcoming and open.
2 Section B: Problem Description
PICOT
In hospitalized patients (P), how does the use of an automatic electronic medical record-generated Sepsis screening tool (I) compared to traditional Sepsis assessment tool (C) increase the identification of septic patients and timely implementation of interventions (O) within 48 hours of admission (T)?
Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
Evidence-based practice (EBP) is commonly used in nursing to provide an essential platform for multidisciplinary nursing work. The profession encompasses diverse perspectives of evidence relating to helping individuals reveal their values as the evidence impacts of the options presented (Malloch & O’Grady, 2016). Infection control within the healthcare facilities is key in ensuring patients do not get infections while at the hospital. This EBP examines Infection Control as an evidence-based practice.
Evidence-Based Practice – Sepsis Screening and Assessment
A sepsis infection is a scenario where fast thinking and the application of evidence-based practice is totally necessary. A sepsis is an infection of the blood and happens so quickly that it is usually not caught in time causing a high mortality rate. Research has shown that sepsis accounts for about 20% of ICU admissions. Sepsis remains a significant healthcare burden and is the sixth most common reason for hospitalization in the United States (Gyang, E., Shieh, L., Forsey, L., & Maggio, P. (2014).
Nurses play a central role in helping to alleviate illnesses before they happen at the different stages of care within a facility. This is done by ensuring they adhere to the evidence-based infection-control policies (Melnyk & Overholt, 2015). Treatment-related infections worsen patient conditions and increases mortality. It is important for nurses to shield patients from infection. Infection prevention is therefore an important area for nurses. The work of nurses means that they frequently and extensively get in contact with patients and visitors. Infection control and monitoring practices are part of evidence-based practices for nurses (Melnyk & Overholt, 2015).
The key to combating sepsis is catching it in its earliest phase. This is why nurses play a vital role in patients who may become susceptible to sepsis. Also, evidence-based practice will go a long way in ensuring that proper measures are documented and providing this information on a large scale to the masses.
“A sepsis screening tool was developed as part of a broader initiative to improve sepsis-related morbidity and mortality, the screening tool was adapted from the severe sepsis screening tool created by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign and Institute for Healthcare Improvement and consisted of a simple 3-tiered paper-based screening assessment that was to be completed by the bedside RN. RNs on the pilot medical/surgical intermediate care unit performed the screening assessment with their regular patient assessment at the beginning of each shift” (Gyang, E., Shieh, L., Forsey, L., & Maggio, P. (2014).
Because sepsis does happen in stages, implementing a sepsis screening has been shown to reduce mortality on surgical patients. Successful implementation of a sepsis screening would take nurse education which requires additional training whether through the facility or an outside source. A typical training course on sepsis screening takes no less than 8 hours and requires refreshers. The training component of instituting sepsis screening is a major component that needs to be taken into consideration.
3 Section C: Literature Support
4 Section D: Solution Description
Effectiveness of the automatic electronic medical record-generated sepsis screening tool
The proposed solution to treating sepsis is to use automatic electronic medical record-generated sepsis screening tool which is more preferred than the traditional sepsis assessment tool. Traditionally, there were less advanced tools to check the infections, and, actually people who had knowledge about the problem and how it occurs including its symptoms treated the infection without conducting a thorough analysis (Drewry& Hotchkiss, 2015). However, there is a new method that is used which involves screening the wound to identify the type of bacteria that has infected it and decide on the best treatment that can be given to the patient. The new method is costly in the short run but effective than the traditional method which was cheap but expensive in the long run if proper treatment was not given (Kalimisetty et al., 2017). Ostensibly, the new method has been proved to be realistic considering its effectiveness and the long-term benefits because the type of bacteria in the wound will be seen and identified through the screening process and a proper medication given to the patient.
Cost effective and accurate method to optimize outcomes
The proposed intervention is consistent with the beliefs of the current community which is based on new technology. The recent advancement in technology is applied in every sector of the economy including the healthcare system. Hence, the proposed solution that uses modern technology to screen the infected wounds is considered consistent with the current culture in the society. Moreover, it ensures that the patients receive the best treatment at a reduced cost than the traditional method.
The automated sepsis identification system is viable
The method provides real time identification of the infection among students which will help the patients in seeking early treatment. The method also applies an alert system that gives efficient and more focused approach of treating the infection. Actually, the traditional approach was time consuming as it required extra effort to screen every patient (Nguyen et al., 2014). Hence, there was a lot of biasness...