Evaluation of the Patient Safety Screening Tool (PSST) for Sepsis

The workflow that is automated by the PSST for Sepsis solution is tightly integrated with
Registration, Bedside Monitoring Equipment (BME), and Lab data. As patients arrive in the
unit, workflow activities are started with patient context. Typical implementations of the
IHI guidelines for Sepsis screening dictate that patients are rescreened on regular
intervals to detect Sepsis. The PSST for Sepsis solution will monitor Lab and BME data
stores and continually update the screening forms for a particular patient. It will also
alert clinicians when a manual screen is required in the Microsoft InfoPath form. The
constant screening loop is managed by the PSST for Sepsis solution and will continue to run
until the patient screens positive for Severe Sepsis, or moves to the next workflow of
auditing a patient with Sever Sepsis.

When patients reach a state of "positive screen" (either manually, or through the automated
data monitors) the PSST for Sepsis solution will move this patient from a screening workflow
to an auditing workflow automatically. The PSST for Sepsis solution will then monitor the
treatment process through Microsoft InfoPath form posts and alert clinicians when treatment
goals have not been met. After a successful auditing process and completion of the 6 and 24
hour bundles, the patient will be placed back into a screening workflow. The end result is
that patients will remain in a screening/auditing workflow loop until the patient is
discharged from the unit.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients that are hospitalized in the Neuro Care Unit (NCU)

- Patients that are hospitalized in the Vanderbilt Burn Center

- Patients must be > 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

- Patients < 18 years of age