Case study: 'Think Sepsis, Save Lives' project

Amanda Harvey, Clinical Skills Facilitator and Rebecca McLaughlin, Staff Nurse ITU, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust

Amanda and Rebecca led a project called Think Sepsis, Save Lives.

Sepsis affects 150,000 people and leads to around 44,000 deaths per year in the UK alone. Amanda and Rebecca's mission was to increase understanding and recognition of sepsis among staff and patients, and reduce harm.

The project involved a large scale training program for clinical staff, including the introduction of ward based champions. The team developed resources such as screening tools, posters and pocket sized reference cards.

Sepsis training was also introduced into other existing training courses with collaborative working taking place between Practice Educators. Public and staff awareness events were also held.

At the end of the project the team had trained around 1,200 clinical staff in the recognition and management of sepsis. Sepsis screening in emergency admissions had increased from 22% in March 2015 to 56% in March 2016 and administration of antibiotics within the hour, as per Sepsis Six recommendation had increased from 61% in July 2015 to 72% in March 2016.

Following the Think Sepsis, Save Lives Campaign University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has continued to make improvements in sepsis care. As of March 2018:

• 100% of both emergency admissions and inpatients were screened for sepsis
• 91% of emergency admissions and 94% of inpatients received antibiotics within the hour

The Think Sepsis, Save Lives scheme provided a vehicle to initiate change, and the improvements have been sustained long after its completion, leading to significant improvements in patient safety.