The Pediatric Sepsis Workgroup is a multi-disciplinary team using the expertise of pediatric providers and nurses, Medical Informatics, and Pharmacy. The Pediatric Sepsis Program continues to grow in scope. The team benefited from the experience of the Adult Sepsis Team in developing the project. New protocols were needed, however, as sepsis presents differently in the pediatric population than in adults. Assessments and interventions vary by the age of the child, as vital signs and laboratory values differ. The team participated in education sessions from the New Jersey Hospital Association and the Children’s Hospital Association to identify best practice.
The Emergency Department implemented a pediatric sepsis screening process in February 2019. Next, the Pediatric Sepsis Workgroup developed a Pediatric Early Warning System tool (PEWS) that went live in Epic on March 1, 2021. The PEWS tool uses the current nursing assessment documentation to calculate the PEWS score based on the child’s age. The total score is calculated and an alert will direct either continued observation, increased assessment, contacting the provider, or calling for a Pediatric Rapid Response. The team is continuing to evaluate data from both the Emergency Department and Pediatric inpatient tools to ensure quality care. Work is now in progress for a neonatal sepsis tool for newborns.
The next project, which will begin this fall, is to incorporate a maternal sepsis screening tool for our obstetrical population. Due to the physiological changes in pregnancy, the current adult tool is not accurate in assessing sepsis risk. Vital signs and laboratory parameters change during pregnancy. Cooper is now participating in the Premier Perinatal Process Improvement Collaborative (PICC). Through the Premier PICC, Cooper was invited to participate in a Maternal Safety Collaborative with the Department of Health and Human Services. Maternal sepsis will be one of the initiatives through this collaborative.