SEPSIS EARLY IDENTIFICATION MEASURES IN LONG-TERM CARE

Background: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDD) living in residential facilities are particularly vulnerable and at higher risk for developing sepsis. In the three participating Adult Residential Facilities for Persons with Special Health Needs (ARFPSHN) homes, approximately 48% of all unplanned hospitalizations (UPH) are attributed to sepsis, 28% of all UPHs are attributed to Pneumonia, and 24% to Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). The lack of early sepsis identification measures in residential facilities delays the recognition of acute illness, which results in delays in higher acuity levels of care, contributing to a higher rate of unplanned hospitalization incidents. Aim: To implement early sepsis-identification measures in the ARFPSHN homes to decrease potentially avoidable hospitalizations (PAH) rates. Method: A translation of evidence with pre-and-post intervention to evaluate early sepsis identification measures in three ARFPSHN homes in Southern California. Implementing the Stop and Watch Early Warning tool by direct support professionals (DSP) and the SBAR Communication tool by the licensed professional as measures for the early recognition of changes in conditions and improved communication among healthcare workers (HCWs). The histogram chart was used for the pre-and-post-intervention frequency analysis, and a case-by-case analysis of the PAH and measures implementation was conducted. Results: The Stop and Watch and SBAR tools were used in 50% of all eight PAHs. The measures were also implemented on four other occasions for residents’ changes in conditions that did not result in PAH or emergency visits without hospitalizations. Conclusion: When the measures were used appropriately, prompt identification and reporting of residents’ subtle changes in conditions, effective communication among the HCWs, and enhanced residents’ health care planning were demonstrated.