Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is tackling sepsis screening difficulties on its recently implemented electronic patient record (EPR) system, following the deployment of Altera Digital Health’s Sunrise EPR in 2023. Recognizing the critical necessity to address sepsis effectively, the trust identified challenges in real-time observation recording, resulting in collaborative efforts between clinical and digital teams to enhance patient care.
Overcoming Real-Time Recording Challenges
The Importance of Accurate Observations
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to infection, can lead to organ failure and death if not treated promptly, making accurate and timely observations crucial. Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Shingler and Acting Chief Medical Officer Jules Walton acknowledged this pressing issue in a board paper released on March 31. The trust’s EPR implementation revealed difficulties in recording real-time observations due to the variability of ‘normal’ baseline observations in sepsis patients, which has created challenges for data management. This variability is particularly significant since sepsis can present differently in each patient, thereby complicating the process of establishing a consistent standard for normal observations.
Despite these obstacles, the trust remains committed to ensuring high-quality patient care. Mortality rates have not deviated from the norm, suggesting that while data management encountered issues, direct patient care did not suffer. The real challenge lies in refining the EPR system to handle the subtleties and variations intrinsic to sepsis observations, thereby streamlining the process for healthcare professionals.
Collaborative Solutions and Proactive Measures
To address the identified problems, the trust has initiated a task and finish group dedicated to refining processes, identifying equipment needs, and enhancing training for staff. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the EPR system can effectively support the clinical teams in managing sepsis cases. Rachel Fox from Altera Digital Health praised this strategy, noting that the EPR system had effectively highlighted inconsistencies in pre-digitization reporting, which are now being addressed.
The task force is working systematically to resolve the data management concerns by closely examining each component of the observation recording process. Focus is given to ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to the necessary resources and training to utilize the EPR system optimally.
The Broader Context of Sepsis in Healthcare
Sepsis as a Leading Cause of Death
Sepsis remains a critical concern in healthcare due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. According to a 2015 report by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death, sepsis is one of the leading causes of avoidable death. The World Health Organization estimates that sepsis results in roughly 189 deaths per 100,000 hospitalized patients, highlighting the urgent need for effective screening and management systems.
The statistics underscore the importance of timely sepsis detection and intervention. The Office for National Statistics data indicates a 63% rise in sepsis-related deaths in England and Wales from 2018 to 2023. This alarming trend emphasizes the necessity for healthcare providers to adopt advanced technologies and robust protocols to enhance patient outcomes.
Enhancing Patient Care Through Advanced EPR Systems
The introduction of the Sunrise EPR system represents a significant step towards improving the quality of sepsis care. By digitizing patient records and observations, the trust aims to minimize human error, streamline workflow, and ensure that critical patient information is readily accessible to healthcare providers. The EPR system’s ability to flag abnormal observations and trigger alerts enables prompt clinical responses, which is vital in managing sepsis cases effectively.
However, the integration of advanced digital solutions is not without its challenges. Ensuring that the EPR system aligns with clinical workflows and accurately reflects the nuanced variations of patient observations is essential. The ongoing collaboration between clinical and digital teams illustrates a commitment to optimizing the technology to enhance patient care.
Future Directions and Commitments
Continuous Improvement and Adaptation
Moving forward, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is dedicated to continuously improving the EPR system and addressing any arising issues. The establishment of the task and finish group demonstrates a commitment to adaptation and refinement, ensuring that the system evolves to meet the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals. This iterative approach involves regular evaluation and updates to processes, equipment, and training programs.
Moreover, the trust’s willingness to collaborate with digital health experts and engage in proactive problem-solving sets a precedent for other healthcare institutions. By prioritizing patient safety and leveraging technology, the trust is paving the way for more effective sepsis management protocols. This commitment to excellence ensures that the challenges faced today will lead to a more robust and efficient system in the future.
Emphasizing Training and Support
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is currently addressing challenges related to sepsis screening within its newly implemented electronic patient record (EPR) system. This follows the deployment of Altera Digital Health’s Sunrise EPR in 2023. Understanding the critical importance of effectively managing sepsis, the Trust has identified issues with real-time observation recording that could impact patient care. Collaborating closely, clinical and digital teams are working together to improve the system’s functionality. Their goal is to enhance patient care by ensuring timely and accurate recording of patient data, particularly for those at risk of sepsis. This collaboration is crucial, as sepsis is a severe and time-sensitive condition that necessitates prompt and precise intervention. By refining the EPR system, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust aims to overcome these challenges and ensure that healthcare professionals have reliable, real-time access to patient information, ultimately improving outcomes for their patients.
