Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-9-2001

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Laura Kuensting

Committee

Dr. Laura Kuensting

Dr. Roxanne Reid

Natalie Smith

Abstract

Background: Sepsis is a serious condition resulting in end organ damage and ultimately, death. Communication techniques for nurses and physicians on septic patients admitted to the hospital from the emergency department was evaluated. Paper communication was used in 2020 to facilitate serum diagnostic acquisition and antibiotic administration (i.e., sepsis bundle), but an electronic communication form was utilized in 2021.

Method: An observational, descriptive design utilizing a medical record review was completed to compare the same time-period in 2020 and 2021. Communication methods for sepsis bundle completion were compared.

Results: A total of 100 medical records were reviewed (N=100). In 2020, 65 (n=65) records were compared with 35 (n=35) records in 2021 for patients meeting sepsis criteria during the same 45-day period for both years. Sepsis bundle adherence was higher when electronic communication was used versus paper communication (z=2.55, p=.011, 95% CI [0.07, 0.57]).

Conclusion: Communication between nurses and physicians when sepsis was suspected or active was positively influenced with the use of an electronic communication method.

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