Please join OneCare Vermont in helping to spread the word on the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Sepsis is the number one cause of death in hospitals and the leading cause of readmissions, resulting in over 24 billion dollars in spending per year (Fingar K, 2009-2013). More people are hospitalized each year for sepsis than for heart attack and stroke combined (Celeste M. Torio, 2011). Early detection can dramatically decrease the risk of death from sepsis.
Who is at risk for sepsis?
Anyone who gets an infection.
What is sepsis?
The body’s overwhelming response to an infection that can lead to organ failure and death.
Use this simple acronym to aid in early detection of sepsis:
‘It’s About TIME ™’ is a national initiative to raise awareness and help educate the public on the importance of the urgency to seek treatment for improved outcomes.
Temperature: higher or lower than normal
Infection: may have signs of infection
Mental Decline: confusion / fatigue / difficulty staying awake
Extremely Ill: “I think I might die”, caregivers feel they can no longer provide needed level of care
Upcoming Event: Please join us for Noontime Knowledge: Sepsis on September 17.
OneCare Vermont is excited to present an educational learning opportunity about this potentially life threatening condition. This is an online class during the noon hour and is open to everyone.
Written by Emily Martin, BSN, RN, CCM, CPHQ, OneCare Clinical Education Coordinator
References
Celeste M. Torio, P. M. (2011). National Inpatient Hospital Costs: The Most Expensive Conditions by Payer. Rockville, MD: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Statistaical Briefs.
Fingar K, W. R. (2009-2013). Trends in Hospital Readmissions for Four High-Volume Conditions. Rockville, MD: Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Statistical Briefs.
Sepsis Alliance
CDC Sepsis Resources
Vermont Department of Health Sepsis Resources
Resources and Information on Sepsis
Acting Quickly Can Save Lives from Sepsis – Poster, via Sepsis Alliance
Sepsis Information Guides, via Sepsis Alliance
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider – “Start the Conversation Today.” – via CDC.gov
For Healthcare Professionals – Educational Resources – via CDC.gov