Impact of a Multidisciplinary Sepsis Initiative on Knowledge and Behavior in a Pediatric Center. Issue 2 (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Breuer, Ryan K.; Hassinger, Amanda B.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric quality & safety. Volume 5:Issue 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Pediatric nursing -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Patients -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Children -- Hospital care -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000267
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2472-0054

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Our institution performed an educational initiative targeting previously identified barriers to pediatric sepsis recognition and treatment. We hypothesized that provider knowledge, attitude, and behavior would be improved 1 year after implementation. Methods: This was a prospective, observational study of a multi-faceted quality initiative introduced to providers in the Emergency Department, inpatient wards, and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary care children's hospital. Educational platforms consisted of quarterly electronic sepsis "newsletters, " brightly colored posters highlighting protocol and screening strategies displayed throughout the hospital, and low-fidelity simulation sessions (drills) led by trained staff and incorporated into daily workflows. The content was driven by feedback from a baseline needs assessment of sepsis education. One year after implementation, the needs assessment was repeated. Results: Over 3 months, facilitators conducted 197 drills and captured a majority of nurses (89%), pediatrics residents (96%), and respiratory therapists (62%). By 6 months, 241 sessions had been completed. Approximately 55.4% of the 442 eligible staff participated in our post-intervention survey. Overall, knowledge of diagnostic criteria for pediatric sepsis and septic shock increased from pre-intervention levels ( P = 0.015). Among post-implementation respondents, drill participants outperformed their colleagues ( P = 0.001). A greater percentage of post-intervention respondents indicated comfort with sepsis recognition ( P < 0.001), and fewer reported hesitating to bring sepsis concerns to their care team ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a multidisciplinary curriculum balancing active education—through brief, targeted simulation—and general awareness—through electronic resources and a poster campaign—can improve sepsis-related knowledge, attitude, and behavior among pediatric practitioners. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.