Developing an early sepsis alert program.

Severe sepsis and septic shock are major health care problems affecting millions of people around the world each year. To aid in early identification and treatment of patients with sepsis, one Midwestern health care system has developed and implemented a computer-assisted sepsis alert system. Despite some limitations, the program has been moderately successful in identifying patients whose condition is declining, and it is having an overall positive effect on patient care. Program modifications continue with experience.