Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-9-2021

Graduate Advisor

Laura L. Kuensting, DNP, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPNP, CPEN (Chair)

Co-Advisor

Roxanne Reid, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN

Committee

Laura L. Kuensting, DNP, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPNP, CPEN

Roxanne Reid, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN

Stephanie Johnson MSN, RN

Abstract

Abstract

Problem: The condition of sepsis is life-threatening, and its severity increases when there are delays in interventions. Communication challenges exist on medical-surgical units and are major contributors to poor management of patients with sepsis. Ineffective communication among health care team members continues to threaten patients` health outcomes. The purpose of this project was to implement a standardized form of communication between nurses and physicians of patients with sepsis.

Methods: An observational descriptive design with a retrospective chart review. A quality improvement PDSA cycle was used to implement an SBAR communication instrument.

Results: A total of 16 medical records (N=16) were analyzed. In 2021, the first set of vital signs and antibiotic administration time after sepsis bundle activation improved, but were not statistically significant from the 2020 times (t(14)=1.54, p=.147; t(14)=1.66, p=.119, respectively). However, the blood culture acquisition time significantly improved in 2021, with an improvement of 28-minutes (t(14)=4.57, p<.001). Regardless, all bundle times were improved from the time of sepsis bundle activation.

Implications for practice: Improved times for sepsis bundle acquisitions was clinically significant as all times improved. The implementation of an SBAR communication instrument may have influenced bundle activation times.

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