A Harley1, A N B Johnston2, K J Denny3, G Keijzers4, J Crilly5, D Massey6. 1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Southport 4215, QLD, Australia; Statewide Paediatric Sepsis Clinical Nurse Consultant: Critical Care Management Team, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane 4101, QLD, Australia. Electronic address: amanda.harley@health.qld.gov.au. 2. Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Southport 4215, QLD, Australia; Department of Emergency Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital Metro South Health, Brisbane 4102, QLD, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia. 3. Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Southport 4215, QLD, Australia; Burns, Trauma and Critical Care Research Centre, University of Queensland, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia. 4. Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Southport 4215, QLD, Australia; School of Medicine, Bond University, Robina 4226, QLD, Australia; School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport 4222, QLD, Australia. 5. Department of Emergency Medicine, Gold Coast Health, Southport 4215, QLD, Australia; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport 4222, QLD, Australia. 6. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, University of Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs 4558, QLD, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: Sepsis is a significant and time-sensitive clinical concern for patients who present to Emergency Departments (EDs). Existing guidelines do not define nurses' roles in managing sepsis. This study explored ED nurses' experiences and perceptions around recognising and responding to patients with sepsis, and their awareness of sepsis screening and prognostic tools. The knowledge and insights gained from this study may be used to inform local and international ED policies, and enrich nursing educational packages that may be used to improve quality of patient care and patient outcomes. METHODS: Qualitative design incorporating semi-structured interviews with 14 ED nurses was undertaken. Thematic and consensus-based content analyses were used to explore transcripts. FINDINGS: Six key themes were identified; (1) contribution of the organisation, (2) appreciation of knowledge, (3) appreciation of clinical urgency, (4) appreciation of importance of staff supervision, (5) awareness of the importance of staff experience, and (6) awareness of the need to seek advice. CONCLUSION: ED nurses' identified deficits in their capacity to recognise and respond to patients with sepsis, despite their vital role within the multidisciplinary team that cares for patients with sepsis. The knowledge and insights gained from this study can be used to inform ED policies, to enrich context-specific educational packages that aim to improve quality of patient care and outcomes and identify areas for further research. Development and implementation of a nurse-inclusive sepsis pathway may address many deficits identified in this study. Crown
AIM: Sepsis is a significant and time-sensitive clinical concern for patients who present to Emergency Departments (EDs). Existing guidelines do not define nurses' roles in managing sepsis. This study explored ED nurses' experiences and perceptions around recognising and responding to patients with sepsis, and their awareness of sepsis screening and prognostic tools. The knowledge and insights gained from this study may be used to inform local and international ED policies, and enrich nursing educational packages that may be used to improve quality of patient care and patient outcomes. METHODS: Qualitative design incorporating semi-structured interviews with 14 ED nurses was undertaken. Thematic and consensus-based content analyses were used to explore transcripts. FINDINGS: Six key themes were identified; (1) contribution of the organisation, (2) appreciation of knowledge, (3) appreciation of clinical urgency, (4) appreciation of importance of staff supervision, (5) awareness of the importance of staff experience, and (6) awareness of the need to seek advice. CONCLUSION: ED nurses' identified deficits in their capacity to recognise and respond to patients with sepsis, despite their vital role within the multidisciplinary team that cares for patients with sepsis. The knowledge and insights gained from this study can be used to inform ED policies, to enrich context-specific educational packages that aim to improve quality of patient care and outcomes and identify areas for further research. Development and implementation of a nurse-inclusive sepsis pathway may address many deficits identified in this study. Crown