Introduction of the neonatal sepsis calculator at a low-dependency special care nursery in Australia

Abstract

Background: The neonatal early onset sepsis calculator (Sepsis Calculator) is a screening tool for managing neonates at risk of early onset sepsis (EOS). In large tertiary centers it has been found to reduce empiric antibiotic use in newborns with suspected EOS by up to half, without missing EOS confirmed by blood culture. Aims: To evaluate the effect of implementation of the Sepsis Calculator at a low-dependency special care nursery in Australia on rates of antibiotic treatment for suspected EOS in newborns, and, to determine the compliance rate in applying the Sepsis Calculator. Methods: We undertook a retrospective medical record audit at The Women’s at Sandringham Hospital during two two..