A prospective quality improvement study in the emergency department targeting paediatric sepsis

Abstract

Objective Quality improvement sepsis initiatives in the paediatric emergency department have been associated with improved processes, but an unclear effect on patient outcome. We aimed to evaluate and improve emergency department sepsis processes and track subsequent changes in patient outcome. Study design A prospective observational cohort study in the emergency department of The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Participants were children aged 0-18 years of age meeting predefined criteria for the diagnosis of sepsis. The following shortcomings in management were identified and targeted in a sepsis intervention: administration of antibiotics and blood sampling for a venous gas at the t..