Sepsis in the ED

[TaRA miller]

Can anyone help me with their ED process?

 

Our ED director (physician) is very concerned that we are increasing our throughput and doing labs unnecessarily on patients who are coming in with "strep throat" or "mono." I understand that viral and fungal infections are excluded from the meaure. But at triage if they meet the SIRS criteria, the triage nurse is ordering lactic acid, blood cultures, and CBC. Then the staff take the patient back and start an IV.

 

We do use our EMR to help alert our nurses on SIRS criteria and they screen for source of infection.

 

What is everyone else doing on the ED level??

 

Thanks.

 

Tara Miller, Quality, RN

Mobile Infirmary Medical Center

Mobile, AL

251-435-5109

 

Please feel free to call me as well. Any input is helpful.