Date of Award
Summer 2022
Document Type
Project – Full Written
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Committee Chair
Nicole Waters
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Each year approximately 1.7 million people in the United States develop sepsis, and an estimated 270,000 Americans die from this disease (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Early recognition, and identification is essential in decreasing potential for mortality in this population.
METHODS: During a two-week period six individual sessions via a one-hour presentation was provided on evidence based best practice of sepsis recognition. A pretest was utilized to determine prior knowledge of sepsis recognition. A post-test was provided to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational material. Finally, a survey was conducted to provide input for further educational endeavors.
RESULTS: With a small sample size the power of >0.55 did not achieve a power of >0.8 which made it difficult to achieve a true effect. Using a Fisher’s exact test each question showed an increase in knowledge post education, indicating sepsis identification was achieved.
DISCUSSION: The population of this study varied in educational levels with participants including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants. The anonymity of this project prevented identifying knowledge increase in each individual group but showed an increase overall.
CONCLUSIONS: This study was not intended to show a decrease in sepsis, but increased awareness for early identification. Although the sample size was low there was evidence that the increased knowledge of early identification of sepsis was achieved. Further research is needed to show if educational impact significantly reduces septic shock and mortality in the long-term care facility.
Recommended Citation
Bible, Shonna, "Sepsis Identification in the Long-Term Care Facility" (2022). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 48.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/nursing-dnp/48
Creative Commons License
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